Just as our thoughts begin to drift away from the workplace in order to focus on plans for a much-deserved vacation, rising gas prices threaten to infringe on summer travel plans across the country.

During the past two weeks, gas prices have reached an all-time high, with an average hike of 8.58 cents at the pump. And for those who live in the Midwest, gas prices rose an unprecedented 13 cents a gallon (the added cost for motorists in those states was due to the fact that they rely on reformulated gasoline to limit pollution).

From $1.46 in Atlanta to $2.02 in Chicago, we've already broken the per gallon fuel price set in June of 2000. And there is no relief in site.

USA Today reported on Monday that Shell and Chevron dealers in Chicago and California have been told to prepare for the possibility of $3-a-gallon gasoline this summer. The White House in turn released a statement that asserted the president can’t stop gasoline prices from rising this summer – even if the cost indeed reaches $3 per gallon.

In an effort to uncover long-term solutions to combat shortages at the pump, the president has put together a task force called the White House Energy Police. This task force, lead by Vice President Dick Cheney, is now completing a report that will call for more domestic exploration, more power plants and refineries, and promotion of nuclear power.

While the White House is planning for long-term solutions, how do you feel right now about the rising gas prices? Do you agree with the president for seeking long-term as opposed to short-term solutions? Will you be canceling any summer vacation plans as a result of the increase in gas prices? Should we be exploring for oil domestically and building more power plants?