Drive Towards Greater Efficiencies, New Oil Fields, and Alternative Energy

New York, July 5, 2006 - The load on consumers from higher oil prices will be bearable, though not pleasant, especially for farmers, truckers, and other people in energy-intensive industries, says Standard & Poor?s in a special energy report published today. However, current conditions could provide the impetus for a measured transition from oil to a variety of substitutes if both policymakers and consumers seize the opportunity. The report is the current cover story in Standard & Poor?s CreditWeek, the investment research leader?s weekly magazine on credit risk.