>Until there is competition. However, thinking about it, I am surprised that we demand the oil companies invest in renewable energy/alternative energy sources when in essence, they are researching on behalf of their own competition. Kind-of like asking McDonalds to invest in their competitor. For cars, the automakers are researching and investing in alternative systems which makes sense if they want to keep the business and remain competitive. For the oil itself though, it really should be optional for oil companies to invest in alternative fuel research and development. There is nothing stopping others from doing the same (as the government is) in order to compete with the oil companies.

I see no benefit in ordering oil companies to invest in specific areas - I'm with Dragan that ANY such move will be used as an excuse to highten prices and squander resources. There are examples of companies totally switching track - Nokia for example. IMHO they should be free to grow but especially to die as well - no government subsidies to companies not able to live without.