These recent decreases at the pumps are more likely to be temporary. The U.S. concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and violence in Nigeria have kept the price of crude above $65 a barrel -- a level not seen since the hurricanes of 2005. If crude continues to stay at this level, motorists will continue to pay high prices at the pumps.

We're advising motorists not to top-off their tanks. With the price of gasoline escalating, motorists can conserve gas by making sure their vehicle is routinely maintained, consolidating trips, car pooling, using mass transit and for short trips try bicycling or walking.

The jump in retail gas prices is partly due to the seasonal production switch from winter- to summer-grade gasoline, which usually brings higher prices as output is temporarily reduced.

The jump in retail gas prices is partly due to the seasonal production switch from winter to summer grade gasoline, which usually brings higher prices as output is temporarily reduced. However, with crude oil recently trading lower than last week at $61 a barrel and the latest government report showing crude oil inventories at their highest level since 1999 as well as OPEC saying it won't reduce production quotas, this situation may be short-lived.

After the New Year, pump prices in the state typically turn down due to a decrease in demand.

With the great societal concerns about impacts on fisheries and other wildlife, it's not likely we are going to see many new hydroelectric projects developed.