Cecil Herndon, a columnist for the Kentucky New Era, writes about the need to tap U.S. oil reserves.

American motorists are fighting mad over the soaring cost of fuel during the last several months. But if motorists are shocked, it’s because they’ve been paying attention. And we probably haven’t seen anything yet.

Fuel costs may level off or even decline somewhat in the short term. But an upward trend is almost certain over the long term.

Oil of a finite resource. No more is being made, and when it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Even as the worldwide supply of oil dwindles, the worldwide demand for oil steadily increases.

Higher fuel-related transportation costs are reflected in higher prices for other consumer products. So consumers feel the pain not only at the pump, but also wherever they shop.

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The sad thing about the upsurge in fuel prices is that it could have been avoided or delayed or certainly eased had the country’s elected officials learned from the oil embargo of the 1970s and reacted widely and properly.

America has untapped reserves of oil and natural gas beneath its lands and waters. Those resources could help make America energy self-sufficient. Political bickering and rigid environmentalists keep them off limits to exploration.

Technology is available to bring these resources on line in environment-friendly ways. Our politicians talks endlessly about the need to develop alternative fuels, but nothing gets done. The same members on Congress who resist domestic oil exploration find it politically expedient to blame the oil companies for high fuel costs.

There is no apparent quick and easy solutions to the country’s building energy crisis. But there are long-term solutions and time is wasting.