Group Think
I guess that in addition to the largess of lobbying (legalized bribes) we also are in the trap of group think that is stuck with "tried and true". The only energy tool we have is the safe and known fossile fuels and we see all our problems solved by drilling more at increasing costs.
Those who were of driving age in the 70's should be aware that the cost of gasoline has grown enough that people don't drive as far as they used to go. Airlines are having trouble being profitable with oil prices higher than the $70 per barrel. We are at the end of cheap energy and we are not transitioning very well.
Another aspect of group think are mind guards who argue the status quo until dissent or disagreement is quashed. The mind set that alternative energy is too expensive, that it needs to compete without subsidies and that there is still plenty of fossil fuel left is having to make more elaborate rationalizations to support those positions.
