Remember last summer when gasoline prices were high and politicians were tripping over each other with plans to offer relief to beleaguered motorists?

Illinois politicians were calling for a special session just to talk about fuel prices.

The Republicans created a Motor Fuel Task Force that called for eliminating the state's sales tax on gasoline and diesel fuel through Oct. 15 and suspending the motor fuel tax for 30 days.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced a plan to promote energy independence in Illinois by encouraging more ethanol and biodiesel production.

His Republican rival, Judy Topinka, proposed freezing the state's share of the sale tax on gasoline when the price was more than $2.50 a gallon. (Ah, $2.50 a gallon, those were the days.) She also wanted a loan program for constructing ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy facilities.

Today?

There are murmurs here and there, such as state Sen. Bill Brady of Bloomington continuing to call for repeal of the sales tax on gasoline.

But the prevailing attitude seems to be reflected in a comment by state Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley: "No, there's really not much we can do about it."

For the most part, Mautino is right. This situation calls for a comprehensive energy plan on the national level, not short-term fixes by state lawmakers. And even the federal government can only have minimal effect on what is increasingly a global market.

That's as true today as it was last year. The difference is that the governor and state lawmakers aren't up for re-election as they were last fall.

Congress isn't in the midst of a campaign either, although the U.S. House did pass a law against "unconscionably excessive" prices for gasoline and taking "unfair advantage" of consumers.

The legislation leaves it up to the Federal Trade Commission to determine what those terms mean. And the price-gouging prohibition would only last for 30 days - and only if the president declared an energy emergency.

In other words, a situation like the current one wouldn't be covered.

When an election is looming, everyone has a lot of ideas, but nothing gets passed because everyone fears the opposing party will get the credit. When an election isn't on the horizon, politicians don't have as much incentive to get out in front of issues.

The political gamesmanship during campaigns and the lethargy in off years is as frustrating as the high cost of gasoline.

Elections may come and go, but the problems of high energy costs and dependence on foreign oil are here to stay, even if prices drop for awhile.

We need to increase refinery capacity. This needs to be addressed by the federal government.

Only a concerted effort at all levels, including individuals practicing energy conservation, is going to change the situation.