[An_Enigma_Hehe]

Your solution is PERFECT! Get the people salivating for a few of the bucks, just like they get in Alaska. I think in AK it’s called the “permanent fund.” It varies from year to year, but back in the early 90’s, my dad used to get $2,000 - 5,000 each year.

BTW, it is Sooooo technologically impossible to retrieve and use oil shale, that Estonia, that enclave of engineers and rocket scientists, began using oil shale in the 1930’s. They still use it, as does China and Brazil.

[Jabba the Nutt]

Thank you. But is there one politician in the Mountain States (New Mexico to North Dakota) who see the potential of this? Or are they so obsessed with getting the money for themselves to re-elect themselves for ever?

It's easy for non-smokers to vote for tax increases on tobacco. It's easy for people making $50K a year to support taxes on people making $100K a year.

Suddenly, when it's money in your own pocket, then suddenly its worth thinking about. It's too late for this year, but a group could write an initiative for the ballot in Colorado. You'd see Sen. Salazar start break-dancing to support it.