North Carolina Gas Crisis

Gov. Mike Easley of North Carolina released this statement, strongly urging carpooling and conservation. Apparently many stations are already empty in NC, and the Gov. warns people to, "Wait for more information before making Labor Day travel plans."

He also says this, which may help to end some disputes I've seen and heard about how the pipeline shutdown affects us, particularly in the south:

The two major pipelines that furnish gasoline to many states, including North Carolina, have been affected by Hurricane Katrina and are currently without electricity. They service North Carolina and 8-10 other states.

90 percent of our gas comes from these pipelines and right now they are not operational.

Suppliers generally have a week or so of supply. They have been shut down since the hurricane.

The pipelines need electric supply and the refineries that produce gasoline need to make urgent repairs also are without electricity.

The refineries that produce gasoline need to make urgent repairs.

Honestly, I have no idea what the truth is or whether it lies somewhere in the middle or not. Fuel supply to the southeast is an area where I have zero knowledge. What I do know is that politicians tend to have a keen understanding of the things that will arouse so much voter anger as to have them tossed out of office.