That Didn't Take Long

Well, only 48 hours after I warned that, after Peak Oil, we could see a return of strong state powers as a way of preventing economic crisis, I run across this (via The Oil Drum.)

Energy ration cards for everyone planned
By Charles Clover, Environment Editor

Every individual in Britain could be issued with a "personal carbon allowance" - a form of energy rationing - within a decade, under proposals being considered seriously by the Government.

Ministers say that increasingly clear evidence that climate change is happening more quickly than expected has made it necessary to "think the unthinkable".

They believe they need to start a public debate on energy rationing now if Tony Blair's aspiration of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by two thirds by 2050 is to be achieved.

Now, the first thing I thought when I saw this was: Well, Jesus! Energy rationing! Time was, we mocked the Communists for the need to ration goods.

My second thought was this - and this might sound a bit tinfoil-hattish, but bear with me: I linked earlier to Sprott Asset Management's rather dismal review of North Sea oil, in which they noted that North Sea crude is declining 10% per year. Is it possible that Blair's government is using the cover of Global Warming to cover up for a "simple" supply crunch? Certainly, the broad support for greenhouse mitigation in the UK makes a nice cover for simple economic rationing.

And my third, and final thought, is this: Don't think it won't happen here.