To the editor:

The United States should use this time when gas prices are high to develop a long-term energy policy. Right now people would support the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and advanced nuclear (fusion) power. The development of these technologies would limit U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

Then the U.S. would not have to deal with dictators like Saddam Hussein as Adam Woell suggests. Yes, the U.S. is dependent on foreign oil, but it does not have to be that way.

If we curb demand for oil, the gas prices will fall and OPEC’s strategy will fail.

Other benefits include less damage to the environment due to reduced carbon emissions, more high tech jobs for Americans and a new technology export market. Instead of thinking about the short-term solutions, the United States needs to think about the country’s long-term goals and how to meet them.

Kristopher Gerber

Senior

Mechanical engineering