text: The reason MacKinnon and Kelly did NOT ask for an analysis in 2013 is that it would have killed the prospects for the bill had the public had a clue what would happen if oil prices dropped dramatically.  The reason to gut the current system is that it puts far too much risk from market swings in price on the state and its people.  The oil industry itself is far better placed to grasp and manage market risk.  IF we want to subsidize energy prices, WE can cut checks (say) to Southcentral gas users when the cost of gas goes up - IF we can afford to.  Otherwise, the market will determine the price and consumers may consume without regard to it, may conserve to reduce their bills, or may switch to alternative sources of energy for the same reason.  We could also buy the gas fields and not make as large a profit as oil companies do.  There is NO reason to be subsidizing oil companies, UNLESS some specific benefit (e.g. development) is obtained by so doing.