[KarlInOhio]

"Why not just go to a gas tax, for instance, which would accomplish a reduction in the use of gasoline, dependence on foreign oil right away?"

Production costs in Saudi Arabia are less than production costs in the US. If we reduce our total demand, US wells will be the first to shut down. The way to reduce our need for foreign gasoline is to find a new fuel source or apply tarrifs to foreign oil imports.

[Alberta's Child]

If we reduce our total demand, US wells will be the first to shut down.

Excellent point. This should be repeated loud and often.

[DuncanWaring]

Production costs in Saudi Arabia are less than production costs in the US. If we reduce our total demand, US wells will be the first to shut down.

That makes no sense.

If I run an American oil company, and have a choice of pumping my own oil for $30 a barrel or buying it from the Saudis for $60 a barrel (current price) to refine and sell, I'm going to pump my own.