IMHO there's one reason why gas prices are so high: We'll pay it! As soon as the price goes high enough to reduce demand, the price will drop again... just enough for people to start buying again. Oil companies have a duty to their stockholders to maximize profits, and that's what they're doing. Yes, we need a fuel source we can produce here at home, but it's got to be PROFITABLE to do so, or it'll never happen.