The iconic college road trip keeps getting more expensive as gas prices continue to rise in Washington state. According to an article yesterday in MSN Money, Washington now has the fourth-highest gas prices in the country, right behind Illinois, Michigan and California.

In Washington, gas is selling for about $3.43 a gallon, as compared to the national average of $3.22. Only New Jersey still sees average gas prices below $3.

Last year, gas prices in Seattle were about $3.22 a gallon, and with the $0.21 jump in just a year, it's clear that the rising prices are here to stay.

While the steep cost of gas is certainly a reminder for people to buy economical cars, drive less and use public transportation more, it should also light a fire under the seats of our government officials to consider two possible solutions.

It's almost impossible to count how many times prestigious members of our government have preached to us about looking into alternative energy forms to reduce U.S. reliance on oil.

Yet, looking around, we don't see much change. There aren't too many biodiesel stations next to the 76s, Shells, Chevrons and Arcos on each block. Clearly, the politicians aren't too motivated to change our fuel system.

Which brings us to our next point – perhaps the government should have a hand in regulating fuel as a natural resource. Much like water or electricity, gasoline is a public good and a limited resource. The government does a fine job managing our other utilities; maybe until politicians manage to get the alternative energy ball rolling, we should socialize our fuel system.

Hey, nothing could be worse than the way the oil industry runs things now.