While the stock’s market plunge is sinking oil demand and in turn lowering gas prices, Americans desperate to cut more costs are feeling little relief. (Los Angeles Times — Ronald White)

Oil experts Matt Simmons and Henry Groppe talk about the future of oil prices, its impact on Houston, and the potential for conservation. (Houston Chronicle — Rick Casey)

Drivers in the Southeast face severe gas shortages after Hurricanes Ike and Gustav whomped the region’s oil refineries, bringing long lines, soaring prices, and rising tension at the pump. (Grist — Sara Barz)

The editor of The Nation argues that the economic bailout in its current form may bring short-term solutions for the financial industry, but will do little to address broader issues like America’s crumbling infrastructure and overdependence on oil.

McCain and Obama both claim they would radically change our energy policy if they were elected president, with the Arizona Senator calling for increased production and the Democratic nominee advocating for alternative fuel development and lower consumption. (McClatchy — David Lightman)

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)