Regulation won’t cure or help high oil prices

In the July 10 article, “We need energy justice,” Del. Pat McDonough, R-7, shows a dangerous lack of knowledge of basic market economics. That is disturbing to hear from a Republican. Regulation of the oil market is a terrible idea. It will only help to keep actual energy costs high by reducing market incentives to invest in exploration and expansion of refining capacity. Have you already forgotten that years of government controls on Maryland utility prices caused a dramatic spike as they returned to market levels?

Speculators in the oil market actually help to prevent dramatic price increases. They anticipate imbalances between supply and demand and drive up prices more slowly. Higher energy costs are here to stay and no populist calls to regulate the industry will change this fact. Higher profits and exploration rights, not government mandates, are the only incentives oil companies need to increase production and refining capacity. Higher prices also provide market incentives for development of the alternative energy technologies that we need to become self-sufficient. Higher gas prices will ultimately be very good for our economy if we allow market forces to work free of government regulation.

David Thalheimer

This story continues below
Advertisement

Columbia

Elected officials ignore energy responsibilities

I have contacted my elected officials, Sens. Barbara Milkulski, D-Md., and Benjamin Cardin, D-Md., Rep. Elijah Cummings and other government and state officials, and not one of them has any answers to our serious energy crisis. Del. Pat McDonough’s July 10 column stated the best facts about our energy crisis. He said, “The combination of the influence in Washington of big oil and big environmentalists has blocked the road to energy independence. ‘Green Power’ and ‘Greed Power’ have overcome ‘People Power.’ ” With Congress’ approval rating at 9 percent for its inaction, it is time to start drilling at home and building nuclear plants to keep this country going. Elected officials need to wake up and start being the leaders we elected them to be.

Bill Kelly

Ellicott City

Howard County Recreation and Parks services are strong

As a mother of a 6-year-old with autism, I was very concerned to hear about how a child with autism left a Howard County Recreation and Parks camp and was found by his mother walking along a highway. (“Mother of found autistic child urges more vigilance from Howard County,” July 11) However, the real story that shouldn’t go unreported is Howard County’s steadfast and successful commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities into community life. As a Howard County resident, I am very grateful for Ken Ulman and Recreation and Parks Director Gary Arthur’s support of inclusion. As one would hope, this incident will result in improved emergency procedures, which will only strengthen the department’s Therapeutic Recreation program. The reporting of this incident should not eclipse the record of service to many children like my son who have had wonderful experiences.

Jane Plapinger

Ellicott City