The current energy crunch may fuel an aggressive energy policy in Washington, says Ohio University political science faculty member William Cunion. While consumers clamor for immediate help, the rolling blackouts in California and rising prices at the corner gas station's pumps may have longer-lasting ramifications than any quick solution can address.

"The Bush administration could use this situation to promote the proposal to increase the supply of energy in ways such as drilling in Alaska, for example. Vice President Dick Cheney said recently that our energy problems cannot be resolved by addressing the issue on the demand side," Cunion pointed out.

Today's problem parallels the situation that President Jimmy Carter's administration faced with the energy crisis of the late 1970s. "The difference is whether one considers the source of the problem to be one of demand, as Carter did, or of supply, as Bush does," Cunion said.

"Unfortunately, most Americans are probably not so patient, and if the high gas prices -- or, more generically, energy problems -- persist throughout the summer, Bush will probably be forced into a quick-fix solution that will really be no solution at all."

Whatever occurs, quick fixes won't solve the problem, Cunion said. "This, as with all major policy issues, requires a more thoughtful, considered response."