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If you haven't been following this topic, or if you have and want a refresher, here are some previously cited references:

My review of two recent books on the topic which discuss the implications of "peak oil."

The Oil Drum website, where most contributors believe we are at or on the verge of peak oil.

And here's a new reference with a different view of when we will reach peak oil, Cambridge Energy Research Associates (CERA), a consulting firm noted in the Backer comment that I used to start this thread.

CERA is headed by Daniel Yergin, who is frequently sought out by news media when they want an expert viewpoint on energy issues.

I have met Dan a couple of times at life-cycle events in the his family. (I have a good friend among his close relatives.) We have even exchanged autographed books. On the subject of peak oil, Dan has a contrarian viewpoint based on a different interpretation of the data. He thinks we have a couple of decades left to go.

Policy decisions based on peak oil would be different if Dan is correct rather than the majority of experts. But this is not a completely clear cut case, and I recommend considering all the evidence and interpretations. In fact, I'm going to contact Dan to see if he or one of his scientists might add a comment here.

In other words, folks, educate yourselves about this important issue while alerting your elected officials to do the same.

Fred Bortz -- Science and technology books for young readers (www.fredbortz.com) and Science book reviews (www.scienceshelf.com)