FLASHBACK: Obama Wanted High Gas Prices (Videos)

OBAMA FAVORS HIGH GAS PRICES TO ADVANCE HIS GREEN ENERGY AGENDA Summary: “Obama and his Administration have repeatedly stated that they want higher energy prices. They want to use the pressure of higher energy costs as an excuse to force their green energy boondoggle on Americans.”
H/t: NewsBusters.
Obama 2008: ‘Under my plan, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket’
Transcript
Obama 2008 on High Gas Prices: ‘I’d Have Preferred a Gradual Adjustment’
Transcript
Obama’s Energy Czar Steven Chu also Said he Wanted High Gas Prices Chu in 2008: Energy Dept Working To Wean U.S. Off Oil, Not Lower Gas Prices
In 2008, Chu advocated for $10-a-gallon gas prices: Obama’s secretary at the Department of Energy, said in an interview that gas taxes should slowly be increased over the next 15 years in order to force people to turn to alternative energy sources. “Somehow, we have to figure out how to boost the price of gasoline to levels in Europe,” said Chu. In Europe, the price for a gallon of gas consistently hovers around $10 a gallon.
Summary video By Heritage:

RELATED – Obama Lies. The U.S. has 60 Times more Oil than Obama Claims – Obama Lies about High Gas Prices and Oil Production – Obama Killing Real Jobs for Green Utopia – Obama in 2008 Favored High Gas Prices (Videos) – Gas Prices Under President Obama in Pictures

Obama Lies. The U.S. has 60 Times more Oil than Obama Claims

OBAMA’S SELECTIVE DATA When Obama says the U.S. has only 2% of the world’s oil reserves, he is talking about the tip of the oil pyramid — that is, the “proved” oil reserves which refer to oil currently being drilled in existing fields. Obama frequently pushes the myth that oil in the U.S. is scarce, but in reality the U.S. has 60 times more oil than Obama claims. Investor’s Business Daily explains, “The U.S. has 1.4 trillion barrels of technically recoverable oil, according to the Institute for Energy Research, enough to meet all U.S. oil needs for about the next 200 years, without any imports.”

Investor’s Business Daily reported:

“With only 2% of the world’s oil reserves, we can’t just drill our way to lower gas prices,” [Obama] said. “Not when we consume 20% of the world’s oil.” The claim makes it appear as though the U.S. is an oil-barren nation, perpetually dependent on foreign oil and high prices unless we can cut our own use and develop alternative energy sources like algae. U.S. Awash In Oil But the figure Obama uses — proved oil reserves — vastly undercounts how much oil the U.S. actually contains. In fact, far from being oil-poor, the country is awash in vast quantities — enough to meet all the country’s oil needs for hundreds of years. The U.S. has 22.3 billion barrels of proved reserves, a little less than 2% of the entire world’s proved reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration. But as the EIA explains, proved reserves “are a small subset of recoverable resources,” because they only count oil that companies are currently drilling for in existing fields. When you look at the whole picture, it turns out that there are vast supplies of oil in the U.S., according to various government reports. Among them: At least 86 billion barrels of oil in the Outer Continental Shelf yet to be discovered, according to the government’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. About 24 billion barrels in shale deposits in the lower 48 states, according to EIA. Up to 2 billion barrels of oil in shale deposits in Alaska’s North Slope, says the U.S. Geological Survey. Up to 12 billion barrels in ANWR, according to the USGS. As much as 19 billion barrels in the Utah tar sands, according to the Bureau of Land Management. Then, there’s the massive Green River Formation in Wyoming, which according to the USGS contains a stunning 1.4 trillion barrels of oil shale — a type of oil released from sedimentary rock after it’s heated. A separate Rand Corp. study found that about 800 billion barrels of oil shale in Wyoming and neighboring states is “technically recoverable,” which means it could be extracted using existing technology. That’s more than triple the known reserves in Saudi Arabia. All told, the U.S. has access to 400 billion barrels of crude that could be recovered using existing drilling technologies, according to a 2006 Energy Department report. When you include oil shale, the U.S. has 1.4 trillion barrels of technically recoverable oil, according to the Institute for Energy Research, enough to meet all U.S. oil needs for about the next 200 years, without any imports. Read full report here.

RELATED – Obama Lies about High Gas Prices and Oil Production – Obama Killing Real Jobs for Green Utopia – Obama in 2008 Favored High Gas Prices (Videos)

PRODUCTS MADE FROM OIL

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MAKE OUR LIFE EASIER Environmentalists want us to stop using oil, even though petroleum products make our life easier — to fuel airplanes and cars, to heat our homes, and to make products like medicines and plastics. Besides fuel oil and gasoline, there are many other products that derive from petroleum: asphalt, paraffin wax, lubricating oils, engine coolant, polyesters, vinyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, acrylic fiber, lubricants, adhesives, corrosion control chemicals, cosmetics, flavorings, fragrances, food additives, inks, printing supplies, packaging, bottles, paint, resins, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, etc. What is the environmentalists’ idea to replace all these petroleum products? USAGE OF SOME PETRO PRODUCTS: • Liquids used in paints and printing inks • Oil and greases used to keep car engines and other machines running smoothly • Waxes used in making candles, packages, matches, polishes, crayons, and candy • Petroleum jelly used in medical products, skin-care products, and make-up • Asphalt used for paving roads, and materials for roofing and flooring • Synthetic rubber used in hoses • Synthetic fibers used in carpets, clothing, and shoes • Medicine: aspirin and antihistamines • Life-saving medical supplies: artificial hearts, heart valve replacements, and pacemakers • Chemicals: pesticides • Detergents: laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid
SOME EVERYDAY PRODUCTS MADE FROM OIL:

Agriculture • plastic ties • row cover • irrigation piping • polyethylene • polypropylene • bags and packaging • pesticides and herbicides • food preservatives • fertilizers Automotive • antifreeze • flat tire fix • street paving (asphalt) • car battery cases • coolant • motor oil • tires • loud speakers • bearing grease • sports car bodies • traffic cones • car enamel • brake fluid • dashboards • windshield wipers • visors • car sound insulation • oil filters • car seats • convertible tops • fan belts • gasoline Clothing and Textiles • ballet tights • nylon cord • polyester clothing • permanent press clothing. • beads • bracelets • pantyhose • nylon zippers • plastic hangers • purses • thongs and flip flops • earrings • ribbons • fake fur • windbreakers • sandals • garment bags • shoe laces • rain coats • iron-on patches • sneakers • sweaters • sofa pillow material • tote bags • umbrellas Sports and Hobbies • backpacks • fishing lures • air mattresses • cameras • beach balls • fishing poles • hang gliders • vinyl cases • footballs • glue containers • puzzles • darts • Frisbees • golf ball and golf bags • shotgun shells • ear plugs • knitting needles • waterproof clothing • stadium cushions • earphones • yarn • kites • tennis racquets • fabric dye • decoys • lifejackets • nylon strings • face protectors • volley balls • model cars • plastic water guns • fishing bobbers • soccer balls • oil paints • parachutes • fishing cylume • light sticks • earphones • playing cards • photographs • monofilament fishing lines • diving boards • poker chips • goggles • rollerskate/skateboard wheels • whistles • guitar strings • picks • rafts • ice chests • tents • sleeping bags • pole vaulting poles • motorcycle helmets • skis, water skis • rubber cement • plastic flowerpots • hot tub covers • sails • snorkels • monkey bars • photo albums • wet suits • flippers • tennis balls • boats • insulated boots Infants and Children • acrylic toys • baby oil • laundry baskets • waterproof pants • baby aspirin • bath soap • mittens • pacifiers • baby blankets • bibs • rattles • doubleknit shirts • baby bottles • disposable diapers • baby shoes • teething rings • nipples and binkies • dolls • stuffed animals • baby lotion	Health Care • allergy medication • cotton-tipped swabs • inhalers • liquid Pepto-Bismol • aspirin • first aid cream • lancets • pill cases • band aids • first aid kits • latex gloves • prescription bottles • burn lotion • glycerin • mosquito spray • rubbing alcohol • chap stick • heart valve replacement • nasal decongestant • surgical tape • syringes • Vaseline • antiseptics • hearing aids • anesthetics • artificial limbs • eyeglasses and sunglasses • antihistamines • cortisone • vaporizers • denture adhesives • laxatives • Bactine • oxygen masks • stethoscopes • prescription glasses • cough syrup • hearing aids Kitchen and Household • vinegar bottles • egg cartons • meat trays • trash bags • breadboxes • freezer containers • melamine dishware • tumblers • cake decorations • jars • microwave dishes • utensils • candles • freezer bags • milk jugs • vacuum bottles • coasters • gelatin molds • nylon spatulas • wax paper • coffee pots • ice cream scoops • oven bags • mops • drinking cups • ice trays • plastic containers • fabric softener • detergent bottles • plastic table service • drain stoppers • dish drainers • lunch boxes • pudding molds • sponges • dish scrubbers • brushes • baggies • drinking straws • Styrofoam • paper cup dispensers • measuring cups • Teflon coated pans • table cloths • refrigerator shelves Beauty • cologne • hair brushes • lipstick • permanent wave curlers • perfume • hair color • mascara • petroleum jelly • comb • foam rubber curlers • shampoo • contact lenses and cases • hair spray • hand lotion • shaving foam • hair dryers • shoe inserts • dentures • body lotion • face masks • skin cleanser • deodorants • moisturizing cream • soap holders • disposable razors • leather conditioner • mouthwash • sunglasses • facial toner • lens cleanser • nail polish • sunscreen • tooth brushes • toothpaste tubes • vitamins • synthetic wigs • bubble bath • soap capsules	Furnishings • carpet padding • Naugahyde • Venetian blinds • TV cabinets • extension cords • picture frames • flocked wallpaper • shower doors • Formica • refrigerator lining • vinyl wallpaper • curtains • kitchen carpet • shag carpet • welcome mats • fan blades • lamps • shower curtain • patio furniture • swings • linoleum • upholstery • rugs Building and Home • caulking material • light switch plates • plungers • faucet washers • clotheslines • measuring tape • polyurethane stain • water pipes • electric saws • paintbrushes • propane bottles • wood floor cleaner/wax • vinyl electrical tape • plastic pipe • shingles (asphalt) • light panels • garden hoses • plastic wood spackling paste • awnings • glazing compound • Plexiglas • spray paint • enamel • epoxy paint • artificial turf • folding doors • floor wax • glue • house paint • paint rollers • toilet seats • water pipes • putty • solvents • roofing material • plywood adhesive • sockets • propane Office Supplies • ball point pens • diskettes • thermometer • Ink • computers • business card holders • copiers • waste baskets • calculators • printer cartridges • microfilm • name tags • binders • erasers • rulers • scotch tape • magic markers • telephones Miscellaneous • ash trays • dog food dishes • toolboxes • CDs and DVDs • balloons • dog leashes • tape recorders • synthetic rubber • bubble gum • dog toys • flashlights • nylon ropes • bungee straps • flight bags • disposable lighters • cassette player • flea collars • flutes • lighter fluid • cigarette cases • electric blankets • tool racks • name tags • cigarette filters • ammonia • newspaper tubes • calibrated containers • insect repellent • phonograph records (vinyl) • crayons • ice buckets • dyes • pillows • credit cards • flashlights • fly swatters • plastic cup holders • dice • movie and camera film • k-resin • rain bonnets • luggage • video cassettes • charcoal lighter • rayon • safety glasses, gloves, hats • shoe polish • signs • cassette tapes • toys • watch bands • waterproof boots • shopping bags • bedspreads • checkbooks • covers • tobacco pouches • clothes hangers • flea collars • flavors • masking tape • safety flares • flags • butane

FLASHBACK: Obama on High Gas Prices: ‘I Would Have Preferred a Gradual Adjustment’ (Video, Transcript)

OBAMA 2008 WANTED HIGH GAS PRICES During the 2008 campaign, then-candidate Obama commented on the gas crisis and indicated he preferred higher gas prices. Well, I guess he is happy now. CNBC interview with then-Presidential-Candidate Senator Barack Obama. (June 10, 2008)

Another video

TRANSCRIPT:
	HARWOOD: As difficult as this is for consumers right now, is, in fact, high gas prices what we need to let the market work, a line incentive so that we do shift to alternative means of energy? Sen. OBAMA: Well, I think that we have been slow to move in a better direction when it comes to energy usage. And the president, frankly, hasn’t had an energy policy. And as a consequence, we’ve been consuming energy as if it’s infinite. We now know that our demand is badly outstripping supply with China and India growing as rapidly as they are. So… HARWOOD: So could these high prices help us? Sen. OBAMA: I think that I would have preferred a gradual adjustment. The fact that this is such a shock to American pocketbooks is not a good thing. But if we take some steps right now to help people make the adjustment, first of all by putting more money into their pockets, but also by encouraging the market to adapt to these new circumstances more quickly, particularly US automakers, then I think ultimately, we can come out of this stronger and have a more efficient energy policy than we do right now.

OBAMA 2008: HIS PLAN MAKES ELECTRICITY RATES SKYROCKET In 2008, then-candidate Obama said, “Under my plan of a cap and trade system, electricity rates would necessarily skyrocket.” (Hat tip: HotAirPundit)

Video. Partial transcript.

OBAMA-QUIXOTE Obama’s Reckless, Quixotic Fantasies are killing us:
	At what point do environmentalist liberals become accountable for the results of their policies instead of their allegedly good intentions? Why isn’t President Obama held accountable for his ideologically based interference with lower oil prices? […] Research has shown, for example, that if the United States were to adopt the Draconian cap-and-trade policies urged by the administration, it could cause a loss in gross domestic product of $9.4 trillion by 2035 and increase each family of four’s share of the national debt by $115,000. Never mind that the policies would have a trivial impact on future concentrations of greenhouse gases and have no meaningful impact on global temperatures, even by 2100. […] The Heritage Foundation argues that Obama’s policies are indeed making gas prices higher. This week, the price of a barrel of crude oil surpassed $100 for the first time since September 2008. Heritage acknowledges that Middle East turmoil has had an impact, but long before this chaos, experts were predicting $4-a-gallon prices by the summer and $5-a-gallon gas by 2012 because of “increased oil demand worldwide.” So what’s the obvious solution? Well, increasing domestic oil production comes to mind. But the administration has done just the opposite — to the direct detriment of the American people. Both Chu and White House press secretary Jay Carney have insisted that the remedy is to develop alternative energy sources to decrease our dependency on foreign oil. That’s just peachy in theory and something to continue to explore for the long run. But in the short run, it is a reckless, quixotic fantasy — a tilting at windmills. Windmills, incidentally, are not the answer. Heritage experts argue that wind and solar energy sources are miniscule and “entirely irrelevant to gasoline supply in the transportation sector.” The administration’s other alternative sources of energy, such as corn and electric cars, “won’t help a bit.” Corn-based ethanol produces less energy than gasoline, “contributes to food price increases, costs taxpayers $4 billion to produce 2 percent of the total gasoline supply, and has dubious environmental effects.” Electric cars are “prohibitively costly and environmentally suspect.” Wake up, folks. Regardless of Obama’s intentions, his energy policies are, at best, grossly negligent and irrefutably damaging to Americans and our economy.

Cuba to drill for oil off the Florida coast next year and deeper than BP

IF WE DON’T DRILL, CUBA WILL
While Miami-Dade county commissioners proudly recite as a triumph their support to the federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling, Cuba is not going to be deterred by the BP accident or by the global warming alarmists and will start drilling for oil deeper than BP. Offshore drilling moratoria cost jobs. Cuba’s exploratory rigs could start working next year just miles off the Florida coast:

	“Cuba is expected to begin drilling offshore for oil and gas as soon as next year with equipment that will go deeper than the Deepwater Horizon rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, industry experts say. The Spanish energy company, Repsol, which drilled an exploratory well in 2004 off the coast near Havana, has contracted to drill the first of several exploratory wells with a semi-submersible rig that is expected to arrive in Cuba at the end of the year, said Jorge Piñon, an energy expert and visiting research fellow at the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. He said the rig is expected to drill down 5,600 feet in an area about 22 miles north of Havana and 65 miles south of the Marquesas Keys.  The development comes as 20 Cuban scientists joined their American and Mexican counterparts at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota this week to finalize a long-term marine research and conservation plan for the three countries.	Oil refinery in Santa Cruz del Norte in Havana, Cuba. (AFP)
	Luis Alberto Barreras Cañizo, who led the Cuban delegation as a representative of Cuba’s Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, confirmed the plans for exploration. “Cuba needs to find its oil, it’s a resource Cuba needs,” he told the Bradenton Herald in an interview.  Environmentalists suggested the prospect of rigs just 45 miles from Florida’s coastline could intensify pressure for the Obama administration to engage in talks with its Cold War antagonist to prevent ecological damage. […]  [I]t took Cuba time to secure a rig that didn’t violate the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba — which prevent vessels with more than 10 percent U.S. parts from operating in Cuba. He said the Italian rig, the Scarabeo 9, has a blow out preventer manufactured in the U.S. It is expected to drill as many as nine other wells off Cuba’s coast.
Green revolutionaries are destroying us!