Useful Fools

The problem started when one of the two gas pipelines feeding Phoenix ruptured a few weeks ago. Because of EPA rules, Phoenix requires it's own blend of oxygenated gas, which is only produced by a few refineries, and at this time of year, only sent through that pipeline.

The problem could, of course, be quickly solved by waiving the rules until the pipeline is flowing again, allowing the plentiful supplies of normal gas to be used. But since a federal bureaucracy and federal environmental laws are involved, such a common sense measure has not been taken.

Also, the pipeline has been fixed. But it cannot be used again until it is tested, and that requires federal bureaucratic approval. It will take 7 to 10 days to get that approval. Why? Well, a bureaucracy is involved!

Governmental bureaucracies, especially the EPA, are a favorite instrument of the environmentalists for ruling the people of America. In this case, the Phoenicians are suffering as a result.

And then to make matters worse, the media and the same democrat politicians who enable the environmental bureaucrats are condemning gas stations for "gouging." Gouging, of course, is really just the market responding to shortage by increasing prices. It has a positive effect by creating disincentives for nonessential gasoline purchases, and incentives for ingenious people to increase the supplies.

Don't expect the ignorant media or the leftist politicans to understand this, or care! After all, it's not like America has a free market economy!

Edward at Zonitics is feeling the pain, too!