Flawed numbers hide
oil depletion worldwide

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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I found the article "How Much Oil is There?" by Brad Foss of Associated Press on May 14 to be somewhat misleading.

His article seems to agree that oil "will be a growing energy source for decades to come," but there sure are a lot of experts out there who say otherwise.

The article didn't mention that world oil production for 2001 and 2002 did not reach the level produced in 2000. It didn't mention that the discovery of oil in the world peaked in 1963.

It didn't mention that many thoughtful and recognized oil experts vigorously dispute the U.S. Geological Survey estimate of 3.3 trillion barrels of oil that "will ultimately be recovered." Actual mainstream thought is that this figure is materially flawed and overstated by as much as 1 trillion barrels. It also didn't mention that 1 trillion of this 3 trillion (or is it 2 trillion?) has already been used up.

It is 100 percent certain that this peak world oil production event will occur. What is not certain is when it will occur.

When world peak oil production does occur, the $3 a gallon fuel that we buy now will look cheap. And almost all products that we use in everyday life have an oil cost.

Here's an amazing fact: Did you know that 75 percent of all conventional oil that will ever be discovered within U.S. borders has already been used up? I invite you to start researching "oil depletion."

Richard Washburn Jr.

Skowhegan