The funny thing is, even though we have oil, refine it locally and ship it out of state, we have the highest gas prices in the nation. I gaurentee that if and when we start drilling our own main source of crude, that gas will not be any cheaper, as other countries will still be paying 135 a barrell of oil, so we will still be paying that price. I imagine it will take decades to see any domestic oil in our cars, and by that time, the cost of the new production facilities will surely be passed onto the end user. Greed, Profit and Dependency will only increase the price of oil. For now only greater production from OPEC will lower the prices, but why do that, when they can milk the gravy train, so to speak. Look at the facts, GW has asked OPEC to raise production twice now, the end result is they won't.
The real solution will be lowering our oil need by becoming more efficient consummers. To this end, when we built our addition to our house we over insulated(not always a great idea!) and tried to incorperate passive solar technology into the design.
I know solar panels don't pay for themselves in their life time, but, the energy that is made from them does exceed the energy used to make them, produces electricity that then can be used for heat, cooling and transportation.
Wind power is popular here too, but it seems that they are less efficient than solar(I don't know this for a fact.) If we all switched to nasty green flourescent light bulbs, we'd save 75% over incondescent light. I for one don't like the sickly light that comes off them, but still use them in parts of the house for reading lights and bathroom and hall lights. Also the porch light.
I truely believe reducing our energy signature, will be the best solution in the long run. Getting high gas milage commuter cars for your commute, when it works for your work situation is also a great idea. Unfortunately alot of this stuff cost money that people don't have now. Car pooling works to lower that monthly gas bill and doesn't cost a thing. But thinking to the future now is also a good idea. Saving towards a better gas milage vehicle instead of a vacation this year and next, seems like a good idea to me.