Don't panic; check the oil alternatives

Before we panic and open ANWR and our coastlines to oil drilling, let's look at what is already available.

According to David Ivanovich in the Houston Chronicle, June 12, oil and gas producers hold enough unworked acreage that could yield 4.8 million barrels of oil and 44.7 cubic feet of gas per day.

Democrats in the House of Representatives have introduced legislation to assess a $5-per-acre fine this year that will rise to $50 after four years to encourage producers to use their present resources.

However, increased production should be only a temporary fix to our energy problems.

In light of the devastating weather conditions of recent months, which many attribute to manmade climate change, we must still mount an all-out effort to find alternate energy sources and changes in public policy that will cause less damage to our atmosphere.

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows