"Our enviromental fervor in this state will not allow any new refineries, nuclear power, oil drilling, burning of coal.....etc..... to take place."

That might be the reasons for your state problem....

however, if you say "there is lots and gobs of oil around" why is the un refined commodity so expensive.....I'm not commenting on refined oil.

I'm talking about the cost of crude as an unrefined commodity.

doni