Prices of Gas

By David Cowan
Knowledge Beat

(Needles, Calif/Flagstaff, Ariz)--Over the break I took a chance to travel to another state to observe both nature and culture. What I found to be the most shocking thing about the culture was the dramatic prices in gasoline between states separated but only a few miles.

At Needles in California gas had reached $4 at the border, but a mere 90 miles later the price had fallen to about $3.29. 70 cents is quite the difference when it comes to a log road trip for those of us who have trouble flying.

While travel companion observed the natural beauty of the state I was still quite bothered by the low price. California easily has twice the roads and doubles the population many times over and yet no leniency is shown.

In a time when we are facing recession and stimulus at the same time, wouldn't it be easier to lower the prices of existing necessary items rather than throw give out money that will barely cover the cost in the first place?