It's only going to get worse guys. It's estimated that oil supplies will be used up around 2020. Do a little research on the "peak oil" phenomenon and see what it's all about. I hate to see it happen, but we can't go on forever using petroleum based products the way that we do.

Ethanol and biodiesel are going to become more and more prominent as gasoline prices continue to increase. The only drawback to these alternative fuels is that it takes a lot of energy to produce them, so it's not a cheap fuel source right now - it's kind of like recycling in the fact that it costs just as much to recycle as it does to use new materials.

The U.S. has been trying to push the use of alternative fuels since 1992 with the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It consists of credits for use of biodiesel and ethanol when a 20% reduction in the use of petroleum based products is acheived. It's a step in the right direction, but what is conserved is merely a drop in the bucket - it's going to take major cooperation from all industries (especially airlines) in order for a real difference to be seen.

If you don't believe me that the oil reserves are diminishing, look up Dubai and see what all they are building there. It's ridiculous! The prince of that country knows that his oil is quickly being used up, so he's trying to build up the tourism over there as a backup plan when the oil does run out. They've built islands that look like palm trees, and built islands in the shape of the world with all of the continents - for a small fee you can buy your own island or "country." It's crazy!

Sorry for spilling all of this info, but I did a research paper for a transportation class this semester on the topic.