The presidential campaign is heating up and calls for new offshore drilling are growing louder, but the New York Times‘ Bob Herbert points out the obvious problem with all the rhetoric — drilling is not going to do anything for America’s current gas crisis.

While traveling in Europe, New York Times pundit Thomas Friedman suggests that Americans could learn plenty from the Danes about conserving fuel, finding alternative energy sources, and using technological innovation for economic growth.

Despite recent dips in the cost of fuel, energy experts are predicting a long, expensive winter for residents in the Northeast, who will be keeping their homes warm with natural gas or heating oil. (New York Times — Jad Mouawad)

The New York Times‘ Paul Krugman says the debate over offshore drilling is the tip of the iceberg for a much bigger issue — our level of commitment to halting climate change and saving the planet.

With gas tax revenues dropping due to changes in Americans’ driving habits, White House officials think they have an easy fix — raid the federal transit fund, right as commuters are hopping on trains and buses in record numbers. (New York Times — Matthew Wald)

The New York Times reports that high gas prices, a sputtering economy, and concern for the environment are pushing some families to adapt to a single-car lifestyle. (New York Times — Moina Noor)

NYTimes Editorial Board urges Congress to fully support Amtrak and scrap plans for a “pointless experiment in privatization.”  (New York Times)

In an effort to make one its most prominent streets more hospitable to bikers and pedestrians, NYC is closing half of Broadway to cars and making room for a bicycle lane and pedestrian path with tables and planters. (New York Times — William Neuman)

Many Congressional Democrats are standing tough against calls to lift the ban on new offshore drilling as a response to high gas prices, a proposal House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sees as a “hoax.” (New York Times — Carl Hulse)

Under pressure from constituents across the U.S., lawmakers are desperately hunting for ways to provide relief from the high price of fuel. (New York Times — Carl Hulse and David Herszenhorn)