If you're angry about your heating oil bill, you don't want to miss this site:

[jazzjunkysue]

This site is dedicated to explaining that energy prices are not supposed to be this high: They're driven there by the stock market. Our government can stop this. Here's how:

http://www.closetheenronloophole.com/

TELL CONGRESS TO BRING AN END TO ‘DARK MARKET’ ENERGY TRADING!
The price of energy affects every sector of the U.S. economy and the lives of every American. In recent years, the price for crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, propane, and other commodities have been at the mercy of energy traders on unregulated “dark markets.” These traders have used these markets, made “dark” by loopholes in federal oversight, to cash in at the expense of families and small businesses. These dark markets are now the dominate energy trading environments; resembling the Wild West more than Wall Street. Market fundamentals of supply and demand are pushed to the curb while fear, paranoia and greed drive prices. And because these markets are not policed by U.S. regulators, speculation runs rampant and manipulation allegations abound.

It is time that Washington lawmakers…
1. Close the ENRON LOOPHOLE
In 2000, Enron lobbyists seeking to exempt energy commodity trading from federal oversight were successful in passing the “Enron Loophole.” Enron exempted energy trading from federal commodities laws pertaining to certain types of trading environments, such as electronic environments. Virtually overnight, the loophole freed over-the-counter energy trading from federal oversight requirements, opening the door to excessive speculation and energy price manipulation. While Enron is long gone, its legacy remains. It is time to put “energy” back into federal law where Enron had it removed, and close the loophole once and for all!

2. Close the FOREIGN MARKETS LOOPHOLE
Under an administrative loophole, federal regulators can issue so-called “no-action letters” to overseas energy trading platforms. As the letter’s name implies, the letter promises that “no-action” will be taken against them to enforce U.S. anti-manipulation laws, even if those markets allow trading of energy products for delivery and consumption within the United States. One such “no-action letter” allows the trading of US-based crude oil (West Texas Intermediate) and other products upon London’s InterContinental Exchange… even though that exchange is run out of Atlanta, Georgia and dominated by U.S. financial interests! American consumers come first - it is time to shut down the foreign “dark markets” loophole and to stop issuing blank regulatory checks overseas!

3. STRENGTHEN THE FEDERAL AGENCY that regulates the markets
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal authority responsible for regulating trading activity on the energy commodity markets, does not currently have the tools, infrastructure, personnel and resources it needs to do its job. (more)
4. LISTEN TO CONSUMER & SMALL BUSINESS INTERESTS
Members of Congress need to put the interests of American families and small businesses before those of energy traders and hedge funds. Within the CFTC, their voice is not being heard either. (more)
Billions of dollars have flowed through these loopholes and traders have reaped the rewards – driving up the price of energy and, in some cases, manipulating it for personal profit. Congress needs to act now to make all energy markets fully transparent and accountable!

[Hydra]

1. Good idea in Theory

But we can't even get Pelosi to regulate Bush.

[jazzjunkysue]

3. I'm getting even with the oil companies: I'm buying a monitor heater for my

house. I may even think about a propane conversion for my next car.

[SammyWinstonJack]

2. K&R! But don't hold your breath. Damn I miss Edwards.

x(

[jazzjunkysue]

4. Tell me about it...Sigh.