People are looking for ways to save money at the gas pump.

Efficient use of fossil fuels and the environment were the topics discussed at the Value’s Forum panel discussion.

There were about 30 people present to receive information and give it.

“We complain that gas prices are too high, yet we go out and buy a gallon of Dasani bottled water tapped in Texas that costs eight dollars,” said Dr. John Knapp, professor of geophysics. “I think this is a social problem.”

The panel discussion was held at 2 pm Nov. 10 in the Billingsly Student Center.

The discussion was held by four professors and was supported by several students and other faculty members.

The discussion introduced ways to conserve energy and efficiently use fossil fuels.

Knapp said hybrid cars would be a smart way to use energy more efficiently.

“People don’t want to buy hybrid cars because they cost too much, hmm, it’s obvious they haven’t done the math,” Knapp said.

Knapp said there are a lot of creative things that could be used that does not involve oil, corn for example.

Dr. Michael Fletcher, associate professor biology, disagrees with efficiency. He believes conserving the resources is the best way to handle the limited amount of fossil fuels.

“One day we will wake up and gas will be so high that students won’t be able to afford driving to Missouri Southern,” Fletcher said.

Fletcher said an alternative plan needs to be put into effect so when the resources run out there will be something that will take its place.

Dr. Richard LaNear, professor of economics and financing, said pursuing more nuclear power would begin the process in solving the oil problem.

“I agree that the oil prices will be so high that no one will be able to afford it, but I also believe that we will find others ways of transportation,” LaNear said.

Michael Kennedy, assistant professor of environmental health, said better care should be taken care of the resources that are available.

“President Bush has talked about clean energy. When are we going to see this?” Kennedy said. “Let’s work on capturing the wind.”

One student said she enjoyed the panel discussion and is interested in learning about the environment and how it really affects other people.

“There are many different ways to deal with the oil problem but it takes a group of us to come together and speak out about the things that bother us,” said Yvette Bowden, sophomore secondary education major.

“I think these meetings allow people to ask questions that they have always wanted to have answered,” Bowden said.

Bowden said the thing she enjoyed the most about the panel discussion was the fact that it was made up of different professors who came together for a good cause.