<p>Even tho we held vastly different opinions before, I am very worried like you, Poetsheart. There has never been anything like the convergence of risks we faced now, on so many fronts.</p>
<p>To reduce demand I do have a radical idea - every one who has car(s) registered gets a ration card, entitles him to X gals per year. If he used above that amt, the pump is tricked to kick in an additional high-consumer surcharge. This should discourage indiscriminate use of this dwindling resource. To allow for exception, the quota canbe appealed and liberal judgment will be applied. You can have your quota lifted if you prove you need to commute long distances to work, or is part of your business to travel. And temporary lift is granted for one-time personal use like I am helping my D move to N.Caroline for her graduate studies. A cottage industry may grow - think of extra cash for college students who sells their unused ration cards - that’s allright, because the end result is change of consumer habbit and the type of vehicles we should practically drive.</p>
<p>In fact, drivers should be asked to fill out an application showing how much they drive each day and for what purpose. Spot checks are made for accuracy and huge fine / imprisonment / revoke future ration cards is assessed for violators. Yes we will build in a liberal mileage for personal use. But anything above that you are taking precise national resources and if you still want to use it you have to pay a surcharge.</p>