In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Americans experienced a dramatic increase in gas prices across the country. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, a gallon of regular grade unleaded gasoline shot up 46 cents. Katrina decreased oil production in the Gulf Coast by 58%, significantly reducing the supply of oil in the United States. In light of this situation, there are several issues to discuss regarding the United States' energy policy.

We have come to realize for some time now that as other countries, namely China and India, continue to industrialize, their appetite for oil will increase. As a result of this increased global demand, Americans have been paying higher prices for gas during the past few years. While some argue the United States can alleviate the high cost of gas prices by building more refineries and decreasing pollution regulations, these solutions do not seem to take into consideration that oil is a natural resource. To clearly state what that means, let it suffice to say that we will run out of oil someday. Thus, merely finding ways to prolong the inevitable, will not be sufficient. We must begin to seriously develop an energy policy that can sustain our economy while weaning us off oil.

Although this past summer Congress passed and President Bush signed into law an energy bill, much work remains to be done. For instance, this new legislation did not even include such simple measures as requiring automotive manufactures to increase fuel efficiency.

In response to this impending crisis, the public must begin to take action. We must demand that the government increase funding for new innovative energy technologies, while at the same time committing to conservation. Previous generations have been judged on their ability to sacrifice for the common good of the country. Although the government has yet to ask our generation to sacrifice, we must do so. Instead of driving everywhere and in multiple vehicles, lets try to ride a bike (maybe this will help reduce the high rate of obesity), take public transportation or even carpool. Granted, this may seem too simple to work. After all, we are only suggesting that individuals take small steps. But remember, when President Kennedy famously said, "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country," he was speaking to individuals and the power a single person has to change and improve their country.

This editorial was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 8, 2005.