Gas guzzling kills US soldiers

War on drugs? Why not a war on oil?

According to Richard Holbrooke, the US special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Taliban funding from Persian Gulf oil money outpaces funding from opium and heroin exports.

Good thing we'll only be dependent upon Persian Gulf oil for another 50 years, otherwise I might be a little worried.

Guzzle in peace! May Allah be with you.

Tackling foreign oil dependency on the street

Should plug-ins be the only path to foreign oil dependence?

TheStreet.com asked me to be a guest contributor recently, so they published Foreign Oil Versus the GM Volt this morning (although I didn't pick the title).

Ultimately, I've become very critical of the Chevy Volt compared to a year ago, when I was a fairly strong advocate. While I agree that it's important to bring this technology to market, such vehicles are decades away from making a major impact on America's energy paradigm.

Finish: Tackling foreign oil dependency on the street

Will the Chevy Volt reduce foreign oil dependency?

So now its all about city fuel economy?

230 miles per gallon. That's an impressive number for the Chevy Volt's city fuel economy. Still, I can't help but ask, Why is it when GM markets the fuel economy of all its other 30 mpg vehicles, it's always highway fuel economy that is the standard?

Nonetheless, there was never a doubt that the Volt would achieve stellar numbers on the EPA's city cycle. In the city, the Chevy Volt is essentially an electric vehicle. Makes me wonder, what's the fuel economy of the Tesla Roadster, since it NEVER uses gasoline?

Unlimited miles per gallon?

Finish: Will the Chevy Volt reduce foreign oil dependency?

Is cap and trade the right move for America?

The people continue to grow more skeptical of global warming

A few weeks ago I attended HybridFest in Madison, WI. While there I experienced some of Wisconsin's coldest summer days in recorded history. Certainly, such whether isn't proof that global warming isn't real, but it does cause pause, especially for those already skeptical of CO2 emissions and their effect upon global warming.

And, as the economy continues to struggle, more polls seem to indicate that public support for fighting global warming is declining. This simply isn't an issue that is going to unite the people into a positive, forward-thinking movement, at least not today.

Besides, what's the rush to cap and trade legislation? Other countries that have been more progressive on CO2 limits are largely failing to meet their emissions requirements. Might it not be time to think outside of the box?

Finish: Is cap and trade the right move for America?

End foreign oil dependency in 15 years

What would it take?

As a $150 million dollar natural gas for transportation research bill works its way through Congress, I can't help but wonder, could America end foreign oil dependency with its own resources?

Could America draw a line in the sand and determine to be foreign oil free within 10, 15, or 20 years using some combination of natural gas, biofuels, batteries and whatever other tools are available today?

Finish: End foreign oil dependency in 15 years

Hybrid shoppers don't care about global warming?

The global warming fighter?

A few years ago, Hybridcarblog ran a poll on "Why buy a hybrid vehicle?" There were four possible choices: 1.) Cool technology, 2.) Foreign oil dependency 3.) Global warming and 4.) Carpool lane access.

After running the poll on Hybridcarblog for a while, I moved it to a few Soultek pages and kind of forget about it, until the other day.

So far, there have been more than 28,000 responses to the poll and the results are a little surprising.

Finish: Hybrid shoppers don't care about global warming

Bargain - Foreign oil dependency only cost $20 billion in December!

And that's a cheap month

For months America's oil demand has been crashing, despite considerably lower gas prices than just 6 months ago.

The price of a barrel of oil has declined to less than a third of 2008 highs.

Yet, America still spent $19.3 billion on foreign oil in the month of December.

And THAT's a BAD month, at least as far as the exporters of America's foreign oil are concerned. For America it was a fricken bargain.

Almost $20 billion a month is a deal!?! Are we stupid? Finish: Foreign oil dependency only cost $20 billion in December!

IEA - "Energy Revolution" desperately needed

World's energy paradigm "unsustainable"

"It is not an exaggeration to claim that the future of human prosperity depends on how successfully we tackle the two central energy challenges facing us today: securing the supply of reliable and affordable energy; and effecting a rapid transformation to a low-carbon, efficient, and environmentally benign system of energy supply. What is needed is nothing short of an energy revolution."

Source: IEA

Small cars won't come close to ending foreign oil dependency

The tiny Nissan Versa

Amidst the financial crisis facing America and the inability of a significant percent of Americans to afford, or at least qualify, for a new car loan, a move towards cheaper cars appears necessary. Thus, Nissan has announced that it has reduced the price of its Versa to just $10,685.

For gas-guzzler haters, moving auto buyers into small cars seems like a great idea. Yet, what does it really accomplish?

According to Fueleconomy.gov the Versa achieves only 24 - 27 mpg in the city depending on the version. On the highway, where most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy, the Versa achieves just 31 - 33 mpg.

With the future of transportation a vision of slow, emission-spewing congestion, 27 mpg is not going to cut it. And, even if all Americans drove a Versa, the US would still be heavily dependent on foreign oil.

Sure the Versa is cheap, but that's about it. It might be a small band aide for Nissan in these turbulent times, but it offers nothing for the future.

Ending foreign oil dependency is up to the government

Converting a Prius to a plug-in Prius

A lot of Toyota Prius drivers, as well as the owners of other hybrid cars, can't wait to be able to plug-in their hybrids. Plugging in significantly increases fuel economy and, therefore, significantly reduces both carbon and foreign oil footprints.

Sadly, however, all hybrid drivers combined make up a minuscule percentage of American drivers. Converting all of these drivers into plug-in hybrid drivers would have very little overall effect on either global warming or foreign oil dependency.

Many more need to be converted into hybrid vehicles and other fuel efficient technologies. FINISH: Foreign oil dependency - It's in the government's hands

Enough? Energy Dept. grants $30 million to PHEVs

Time to get real about energy

The US Energy Department has given the Big 3 $30 million dollars to help fund some plug-in hybrid vehicle projects. The Big 3 had sought $500 million (more).

Wow, the US spends billions every year just on the coast guard and military costs of securing oil tanker lanes - a sum not paid at the pump, but rather through hidden taxes. Yet, the government can only spend $30 million on the technology that has the potential to end foreign oil dependency altogether?

Exxon Profit: A good reason to vote against incumbents?

$40.6 billion in profit in one year

So, ExxonMobil profited $40.6 billion dollars this year. That's plenty of money to keep buying Congress, as oil companies have been doing for decades. But I don't care about $40.6 billion.

OUR government has failed us. Democrats have run Congress and the White House. Republicans have run Congress and the White House. Yet, little has ever changed. Time to vote against all incumbents? Finish.....

Still no new hybrid tax credits: Time to take action.

Give them credit

Congress has passed CAFE. By 2020 foreign oil dependency will end, significant reductions in global warming will be achieved, and all Americans will drive in any vehicle and achieve at least 35 mpg, while saving 100s of dollars in gasoline costs per year.

Now will reality please stand up?

It's time to put the power in the hands of the people. Tax credits for hybrid cars, clean diesel and bio-diesel conversion kits give the people the power to make smarter, clean and greener consumer purchases, while rewarding the companies making cleaner and greener energy and products. Power to the people, not the corporations! Join the Revolution! Read more.

The Bush, Republican and Big Oil Conspiracy

One of the biggest increases in foreign oil dependency happened on Clinton's watch

I just finished posting a comment on the GreenCarCongress website about Google's commitment to making renewable energy cheaper than coal. Actually, it wasn't so much about Google, but some comments to the article that referenced the Big Oil, Bush and Iraq conspiracy.

STOP this nonsense. Finish...

New CAFE bill ready to loophole through Congress

Corn is a political force

The House and Senate are close to approving a CAFE bill calling for 35 mpg by 2020 and, even though ethanol causes more harm than good, ethanol credits will be extended.

"We're very close to a deal," U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Lansing, said in an interview Wednesday. "The bumper sticker aspects of the bill may not be significantly altered, but we are providing enough flexibility and practicality to make this achievable."

In other words, enough loopholes will exist that this legislation will, ultimately, accomplish little in terms of either foreign oil dependency or global warming. By 2020, there will be many more cars on the road and many more drivers which will significantly increase energy consumption.

CAFE is not the answer.

SUVs not as safe as believed?

Rollovers, side crashes - what's next?

“The performance of some of these models in the side test was surprising,” said David Zuby, the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety's senior vice president. “SUVS should have an advantage in side crashes because the driver and passengers ride higher up than in cars.”

“People often think they’re safer in one of these vehicles, but many cars hold up better than some of these midsize SUVs in this test,” he said.

Not only might America be safer if we downsized our vehicles, but simply downsizing could have a huge effect on foreign oil dependency and pollution.

Big Autos: Japanese automakers stupified by America?

How long before Japan rolls out its own Hummer?

"Is big about to get big again in the automotive industry? That appears to be the prediction of Japanese automakers Toyota, Honda and Nissan, which historically have been better known for their smaller vehicles.

"In the 2008 to 2011 model years, the Japanese Big Three plan to expand their U.S. product lines with new nameplates and models that will be more powerful and bigger than ever, according to a recent report in Automotive News, a trade publication."

Now the Automotive News is very subjectively pro-American, and it seems that all Japanese auto news is skewed negatively by the News. Unfortunately, however, I wouldn't be surprised to see Japan go big - it's too big and too important of a market segment to just hand to America.

What's really disappointing is that too many Americans still don't have a clue or a care about how their gas-guzzling is affecting the world through foreign oil dependency and pollution.

9/11 and Iraq: Bush or foreign oil dependency?

Foreign oil dependency, Iraq and Bush

Today, there is an article on CNN's Political Ticker, The Donald: Time for Bush to go into hiding.
In the article, Donald Trump reiterates his belief that George W. Bush is probably the worst President ever - a sentiment which seems intrinsically linked to the War in Iraq.

Yet, would the War in Iraq have happened if not for America's foreign oil dependency? Would 9/11 have happened?

How responsible is Bush for America's foreign oil dependency? How responsible are other politicians? How responsible are the people of America?

Finish: Foreign oil dependency? Is Bush the worst President ever?

Washington doesn't give "a damn about Detroit"?

Reap what you sow?

This morning Angus Mackenzie wrote on his blog, "The main difference between the Japanese and American auto industries is that the Japanese government does what it can to help its automakers succeed, whereas in Washington, no-one gives a damn about Detroit."

Is this true? Is this a new or old phenomenon?

Since the 1970's there has been growing concern regarding foreign oil dependency. Thus, the last 5 or 6 Presidents have stated that America needs to do something to end foreign oil dependency to protect National security. For decades, however, U.S. automakers lobbied Congress to minimize any fuel economy regulations because such legislation might slow fuel cells - which have now been just around the corner for the last 3 decades. Yet, cost effective fuel cells and a hydrogen highway might still be decades away from cost-effective reality.

In the 90s, U.S. automakers were each given 100s of millions to develop the next generation of fuel efficient vehicles by the Clinton Administration. What did America receive in return from U.S. automakers for this investment of tax payer dollars?

Record sales of the biggest gas-guzzling , foreign oil dependency-increasing vehicles as Honda launched the Honda Insight hybrid and Toyota launched the Toyota Prius hybrid.

Today, America is bent over an oil barrel, and America's foreign oil dependency problems are certain to get far worse before they get better. Thus, can Detroit really blame Washington and America for being a little disappointed?

Can America get off oil's crazy train?

$100.00 before $70.00?

Crude oil hit $84.00 per barrel today because a storm building in the Gulf of Mexico shut down a number of platforms, and if the storm actually develops into a rig-destroying hurricane, $100.00 oil could be just around the corner.

Many, such as Boone Pickens, have suggested that $100.00 oil is coming, but most have predicted that such a level would not be achieved until next year's summer driving season at the earliest. The sudden resurgence of hurricane season, however, has changed everything.

One wonders, how long can America's oil craze continue?

Iraq, 9/11, oil-funded terrorism, oil-funded takeovers of iconic American businesses and financial institutions. What will it take for America to declare war on foreign oil dependency? Will we drive the oil crazy train to economic collapse?

Isn't it time for Congress to reinstate Toyota's clean vehicle tax credits for hybrid cars to reward consumers for taking responsibility and to pressure automakers?

Isn't it time to consider a gas tax? Sure it will hurt, but the longer America waits to take serious action, the more it's going to hurt in the future, and it just might be fatal.

Foreign oil dependency and global warming: Michigan doesn't get it

Politicians in Michigan need to wake up

"Michigan's congressional delegation is urging the U.S. Health and Human Services Department to stop touting foreign cars to its employees.

In a letter to Secretary Mike Leavitt, Michigan lawmakers blasted an e-mail his department sent to its 67,000 employees advising them to avoid sport utility vehicles and recommending a number of foreign cars," writes the DetroitNews.

"It is our hope that your agency will refrain from sending out similar communications that make product endorsements, particularly by non-U.S. companies," the delegation wrote. "It seems to us the time and effort that went into producing this document could have been better spent preventing disease, assuring food and drug safety (and) improving children's health."

Give me a break. This isn't about foreign cars, it's about green cars. Finish: Foreign oil dependency and global warming: Michigan doesn't get it

Congestion: Why hybrids are so important

"Things are bad and they're getting worse," said Alan Pisarski, a transportation expert and the author of "Commuting in America."

According to a new study, traffic in America is increasing, and that traffic is costing Americans - on average - about a work week per year.

Traffic also results in the worst fuel economy and the highest emissions, unless you drive a hybrid, such as a Toyota Prius. For this reason, I feel that the EPA and automakers should highlight city fuel economy, rather than highway fuel economy.

According to experts, the majority of Americans will soon live in urban areas, urban areas like Los Angeles where almost 2 weeks per year are wasted. Unfortunately, there are few solutions for this congestion, which means the problem is only going to get worse and probably significantly worse.

While it's great that a lot of cars achieve 30 mpg on the highway, it's their fuel economy in the city that is becoming ever more important. Hybrid cars, such as the Prius or the Ford Escape hybrid - even the Chevy Tahoe hybrid - provide huge improvements in fuel economy in these conditions.

Sadly, traffic is a problem that took only a few decades to grow out of control, and it will have devastating consequences on fuel economy, foreign oil dependency and global warming if it isn't taken seriously into the next few decades.

Greenspan, Iraq, and Oil - I mean blood oil

A connection between Iraq and oil? No sh_t!

Iraq is about more than oil, but the problems in the Middle East are rooted in oil. Bin Laden has essentially called oil America's Achilles heal, and the 9/11 attacks can be directly traced to oil. Ultimately, America's presence in the Middle East is, and has been, almost purely about oil.

Before 9/11, America had about 25,000 troops in the area. Why? To count grains of sand?

So, why all the hoopla regarding Allen Greenspan's belief that Iraq was about oil?

As some members of the media and politicians.......Finish: Greenspan, Iraq and Oil - I mean blood oil

Vermont, Greenhouse Gases, and Hybrids

Will the EPA be forced to work with states on emissions?

"There is no question that the GHG (greenhouse gas) regulations present great challenges to automakers," Judge William Sessions III, sitting in the U.S. District Court in Burlington, wrote at the conclusion of his 240-page decision.

He added, "History suggests that the ingenuity of the industry, once put in gear, responds admirably to most technological challenges. In light of the public statements of industry representatives, (the) history of compliance with previous technological challenges, and the state of the record, the court remains unconvinced automakers cannot meet the challenges of Vermont and California's GHG regulations."

Many believe this ruling will now set a precedent that other states, such as California, are also seeking, enabling such states to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, something that almost guarantees the need for significant fleets of hybrid cars and other advanced technologies.

Sure, some critics, such as Karl on Cars, are going to complain that global warming is not being caused by humans and such changes are an expensive waste of time.

I say hold on.

Even if it is proven that global warming is not being caused by humans, the process of trying to end global warming emissions will have a huge impact on fuel economy and foreign oil dependency. Thus, even if you don't believe in global warming, isn't it time to address energy security?

Ending foreign oil dependency: Does America have the gumption?

Fine here, but not on the highway?

A while back President Bush told U.S. automakers to start making more relevant vehicles, much to the chagrin of the auto industry. Then Barack Obama echoed much of that same sentiment, and now John Edwards has called on Americans to give up their SUVs.

Are Americans ready for such a change?

While hybrid cars, clean diesel vehicles and biofuels offer the future much cleaner vehicles, it will take years before such new technologies can cost-effectively replace conventional vehicles - at least in the short term thinking of American consumers.

Downsizing could have a much more immediate impact. And, coupled with new technologies, downsizing might just put the end of foreign oil dependency in America's sights.

Still, can such talk lead to the White House or does it doom a campaign?

Time for change? July kills Detroit

No hope until the Volt?

For decades the winds of change have blown across the automotive landscape of America, spreading the seeds of compact car interest, fuel economy, etc. Nurtured by the ever-growing dangers of foreign oil dependency, pollution, and global warming, the seeds of change have flourished.

Consequently, as "unexpectedly weak" July auto sales is forcing Detroit's automakers to expect "vehicle sales to end the year at a nine-year low," the Toyota Prius - the poster child of change - has become the top selling vehicle for the same month.

Finish: Time for change? July kills Detroit

Small business tax deduction for large SUVs over?

So, you need a Hummer to sell real estate?

There is another move in Congress to end the $25,000 tax deduction available to small business owners to buy the largest SUVs - those weighing over six thousand pounds.

It's amazing this deduction has survived this long with all the rhetoric coming out of Washington regarding foreign oil dependency and global warming. Hopefully, the tax deduction can be retooled to reward small business owners whom buy hybrid cars and other clean vehicle technologies.

Then again, we are talking about Congress and politicians here.

Automakers take new approach on fuel economy standards legislation

Automakers want to work with Congress to set "reasonable" standards

According to the DetroitNews, automakers will be starting a new ad campaign regarding proposed legislation to increase fuel economy standards in the U.S..

"We don't have all the answers to questions about reasonable fuel economy standards. No one does. Together, we can find the answers America deserves," the campaign says according to the paper.

So, will automakers and Congress work together to talk a lot and do little to accomplish anything "reasonable" regarding foreign oil dependency?

Congress and energy: Forget about it?

Wouldn't a gas tax be better than dead soldiers?

"The dance that is going on between automakers, Dingell and other members of Congress is disheartening to anyone looking for a meaningful energy policy that will make the U.S. less dependent on foreign energy sources and for the the U.S. to finally act like a world leader when it comes to energy consumption and pollution generation."

Great quote from an interesting article on the BusinessWeek Autobeat.

Here's another, "Without a sustained communications commitment, most Americans just won’t get the fact that we are already paying huge gas taxes to protect the source of Middle East oil. It’s being sucked out of our taxes already to pay for the War in Iraq and other foreign interventions. That is adding to the deficit, and costing thousands of American lives."

How can a gas tax to fund things like hybrid cars and biofuels be bad when were spending 100's of billions in Iraq and sacrificing 1000's of American lives for what - cheap oil to soothe our gas-guzzling egos?

My pick for a patriotic vehicle

The best foreign oil dependency fighter

Last week Forbes published an article, All-American: Top 10 most patriotic cars. I quickly skimmed the article because, ultimately, I knew I really wouldn't care what the article had to say. In truth, I only checked out the article to see if the Ford Escape hybrid made the list.

So, why don't I care about patriotic vehicles?

I do care, but the ability to fight foreign oil dependency is my main criterion for assessing patriotic automobiles, not the percentage of the vehicle that was built in America - the main criterion for Forbes. For the record, not one single vehicle is 100 percent American.

Still, for me, the Toyota Prius is the most patriotic vehicle any American can buy. If every automobile in America achieved Prius fuel efficiency, America might be able to end foreign oil dependency - that's my benchmark for patriotism. Some day soon, hopefully, there will be some mostly American-made hybrid cars just as efficient as the Prius.

Mike Jackson plugs a gas tax

Bush, and the last 4 Presidents, have accomplished nothing regarding foreign oil dependency

"We've had five presidents in a row who have said our dependence on imported oil is a matter of national security. Actually, on this issue you can pick whether you're motivated by global warming or national security—it doesn't matter. If you look at the issue and want a serious energy policy that's going to make a difference—because in this period with these five presidents we've gone from importing 30 percent of our oil to 60 percent of our oil—so, obviously we don't have a policy that's dealing with this."

"When it comes to fuel consumption and fuel economy do not listen to what people tell you they are going to do, look at what they actually do. Take model year '06 with all the discussions about fuel economy and everything else, fuel economy for the cars sold will be basically unchanged. It's the same as the last 25 years."

So, what's Mike Jackon's favorite solution? A gas tax.

(Source: BusinessWeek)

Happy Fourth of July

And, Happy Foreign Oil Dependence Day!

Seriously, happy Fourth of July to everyone - even gas-guzzlers. Still, as we reflect on the idea of American Independence over beer, hot dogs and fireworks, let us not forget that every year America becomes more dependent upon foreign oil. Thus, it seems fair to ask, just how free is America really?

Certainly, ending foreign oil dependency will be an almost impossible, monumental task. Nonetheless, a culture that rallied behind the goal of reaching the moon before anyone else - as a matter of national security - can certainly rally around the goal of ending our dependence on foreign oil - as a matter of national security.

Could a $3000.00 car destroy America?

What if Tata sold a couple hundred million cars in India?

If you've been following the automotive news lately, then you've been hearing a lot about Nissan's quest to build a "people's car", a $3,000.00 automobile for India's growing, aspiring middle class. While emerging markets, especially Indian and China, appear to a large extent to be the future for automakers, can the world survive this future?

"India just can't cope with this kind of pace of expansion," said Anumita Roychowdhury, associate director at the New Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment.

"It's just not sustainable, whether from an environmental point of view or in terms of congestion." (more)

India? What about America?

What if by 2020, America is even more dependent upon foreign oil, as are an additional 50 million Indians and Chinese? How about 100 million more? How about coupling this with ever-increasing tensions in the Persian Gulf, Venezuela and Nigeria. What will the cost of foreign oil dependency be then?

Best small cars?

J.D. Power ranks small cars

Let's face it. Not everyone can afford a clean diesel vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. For many, the best way to have a more positive impact on global warming, foreign oil dependency, and the pocket book - when it comes to an automobile - is to buy a small car.

So, which small cars are best?

According to J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys, its either the Honda Fit or the Toyota Yaris.

(Source:MSBNC)

Automobiles: Foreign oil dependency, not global warming?

Foreign oil dependency fighter

Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are extremely clean and loved by numerous greens. Hybrids, such as the Prius, are also loved by national security hawks whom realize that if every American drove a vehicle as efficient as the Prius, America could end foreign oil dependency.

Finish: Cars and global warming: Forget about it.

Would Hillary protect Detroit's gas-guzzling ways?

Winning is the only thing that matters?

According to the DetroitNews, Hillary Clinton is going to try very hard to distance herself from Barack Obama and his stance on Detroit and U.S. automakers. Mr.Obama wants to see significant increases in U.S. fuel economy and a move towards hybrid vehicles due to the dangers of foreign oil dependency and global warming.

Finish: Would Hillary protect Detroit's gas-guzzling ways?

Norway to ban new gasoline cars?

Are you loco?

There are rumors that the government of Norway would like to ban the sale of gasoline cars by 2015, essentially focusing automakers to offer a different solution.

Obviously, such a drastic approach is easier to achieve in a country like Norway, compared to a country like the U.S.. Still, it could make Norway a leader in electric vehicles, for example.

Shouldn't the U.S. try acting so drastic? Forget global warming. Forget foreign oil dependency. A new generation of automotive technology is emerging and it won't be driven by large gas-guzzling SUVs.

Shouldn't the U.S. try to lead this automotive revolution, simply for the economics driven by technological innovation?

Are Michigan Democrats really Democrats?

Is Nancy Pelosi's biggest problem her own party?

Do Democrats really care about global warming and foreign oil dependency? While the answer to that question seems like a resounding yes, why is it that some Democrats are the BIGGEST laggards regarding real CAFE increases and real action on global warming? Isn't that supposed to be the domain of Big Oil-influenced Republicans?

At some point Democrats might have to ask, "Are Michigan Democrats really Democrats."

John Dingell (D) of Michigan is one of the biggest forces preventing a serious increase in CAFE, even though hybrid cars demonstrate that the CAFE requirements proposed for 2020 are essentially achievable today. Yet, Dingell has ripped....(Finish: CAFE: Can Democrats put Michigan in check?)

How do Democrats justify gas-gouging talk?

Hillary would like to tax oil company profits

A number of Democrats have loudly attacked Big Oil - probably because many Americans buy into the Republican - Big oil connection, and Americans love cheap gas. Thus, many Democrats have continually raised the issue of gas-gouging and gas-gouging legislation. Yet, the Democratic party is the largest supporter of global warming legislation and action.

Isn't that too ironic?

What if Democrats can make gasoline cheaper through windfall taxes, gouging legislation, etc.? Wouldn't Americans just increase their gasoline consumption, thereby increasing both foreign oil dependency and global warming emissions?

Ultimately and unfortunately, aren't high gas prices a good thing for those whom believe in global warming? Not only can increased gas prices reduce global warming-causing gasoline consumption, but higher prices can make alternative fuels more competitive, while also increasing the cost-effectiveness of clean technologies, such as hybrid cars?

Finish Democrats and Gas Gouging

Lift the hybrid cap Senator Obama

Time to give Toyota some credit!

Congress sucks. Numerous Democrats and Republicans have been speaking about foreign oil dependency and global warming for at least a couple of years now, yet they've done little, despite the fact that a majority agree action is necessary.

O.K. Forget the past.

Barack Obama has now claimed that if he becomes President, he's going to push and to help U.S. automakers to develop hybrid cars. In addition, he also wants to change the tax credit for hybrid vehicles so that there is no cap by manufacturer - something Obama has also proposed as a legislator.

So, what are we waiting for? Foreign oil dependency and global warming are important, but not important enough .......(more).

Fight bin Laden? Buy a Prius

The best tool for America's battle for foreign oil independence?

Former CIA Chief "drives a Prius, and he says that if you live in a country dependent on imported oil, it's your patriotic duty to do the same. His argument is simple: It's a bad thing for transport to depend on oil when the great majority of that oil lies in volatile parts of the world whose governments are hostile to the West. Moreover, he argues that, by making the Middle East so wealthy, we're indirectly subsidizing terror. For Woolsey, the cash register at your local gas station is a collection box for Al Qaeda. "We're paying for both sides in this war, and that's not a good long-term strategy," he says. "I have a bumper sticker on the back of my Prius that reads, 'Bin Laden hates this car.'"

Read the complete MotorTrend article.

Flex-fuel CAFE credits to expire?

No more CAFE credits for flex-fuel vehicles that don't use ethanol?

American automakers have been putting millions of vehicles on the road every year that offer flex-fuel technology. Yet, the far majority of those vehicles have never been filled with a tank of E85. Nonetheless, automakers have received CAFE credits enabling those automakers to avoid paying millions in fines for violating CAFE, not to mention increasing foreign oil dependency. Under new legislation in the Senate, however, that loophole could be closed in 2009 (more).

This July Fourth let's celebrate Foreign Oil Dependence Day!

Let's Celebrate Foreign Oil Dependence this Independence Day!

I'm making up my own holiday, and if anyone else has already created such a holiday, I apologize. Nevertheless, this 4th of July, I'm not going to just celebrate American Independence, I'm going to celebrate America's dependence upon foreign oil.

This 4th of July is going to be my Foreign Oil Dependence Day Celebration!

Let's celebrate not just the first Iraq War, but both Iraq Wars!
Let's celebrate the Iranian hostage crisis and gas lines!
Let's celebrate $3.00 gas and pray for $5.00 gas!
Let's celebrate oil-funded terrorism!
Let's celebrate record oil company profits, as the gap between the rich and the poor widens!
Let's celebrate the suppression of technology!
Let's celebrate acid rain, smog and global warming!

This 4th of July, let's celebrate Foreign Oil Dependency Day! More on Foreign Oil Dependence Day.

No responsibility? Americans solely blame Bush for Iraq?

Rage Against the Machine making money for the 'machine'

I love the music of Rage Against the Machine. To be honest, most of the time, I don't really care about the lyrics - it's the vibe, the rhythm, the beat. Still, I've always found that name 'Rage Against the Machine' to be a little hypocritical. How can you really rage against the machine when you are part of the machine? Let's face it, Rage has made millions for capitalistic record companies, etc.

But, whatever. It's just rock and roll, right?

Consequently, I wasn't surprised to hear that Rage called for President Bush to be "hung, tried and shot" at a recent concert in Southern California. That's to be expected at such an event. Nonetheless, I'm really tired of so many Americans using Bush as scapegoat for their own inaction.

Finish No responsibility? Americans solely blame Bush for Iraq

Is foreign oil dependency the best way to fight global warming?

Could the fight against foreign oil dependency actually unite the people?

Watching a National Geographic show on global warming last night, I realized that I'm becoming anti-global warming activism. Ironically, however, I believe that - minimally - man is having a significant impact on the environment. I also believe that we should be developing technologies, such as hybrid cars, that help reduce carbon footprints.

So, what's my problem? Why am I so troubled by war against global warming? Finish Foreign Oil Dependency: The battle in the fight against global warming.

Ford ready to fight global warming?

Let's get this sucka on the road then!

I think Ford CEO Alan Mulally has the potential to turn Ford around. First, Mulally is an efficiency aficionado. Second, he has proven himself at Boeing. Third, he wants to fight global warming, even telling reporters that he believes humans are responsible for the "vast majority" of global warming.

Whether he's correct or not regarding global warming, Mulally at least appears cognizant of the fact the fuel efficiency is going to determine the success of automakers selling vehicles in the U.S. - foreign oil dependency isn't going anywhere even if science proves the sun is causing global warming. Perhaps, some U.S. auto manufacturers might choose to focus on selling sub-$5000.00 cars in China and India, but it appears that Ford is prepared to try to sell fuel efficient vehicles in the U.S..

So, c'mon Mr. Mulally, let's see a few new hybrid vehicles, such as the Ford Reflex hybrid pictured above. Enough talking, time for a little walking. Show the world and the rest of Detroit that Ford ain't dead yet. Besides America could truly use some real leadership coming out of Michigan - apart from the Pistons and Red Wings.

Hard to care about a hydrogen-powered Chevy Volt

How long, how loooonnnnggggg?

Larry Burns has posted an article regarding the Chevy Volt that is being displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show, for those interested. I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed to find out that the new iteration of the Volt - a rumor that hyped its way through the blogosphere for the last couple of weeks - is a fuel cell vehicle.

Yes, I believe fuel cells have great potential, but if an electric-gasoline version of the Volt is 3 years away, a fuel cell Volt is even further off in the distance. Quite honestly, I care much more about what GM and all automakers are doing today, and I would have been much happier with a dumbed down version of the Volt - a vehicle that could be sold, say, next year.

Imagine GM taking on the Toyota Prius head-to-head now, instead of 3 years from now. That's what America has been waiting for - an American-made freedom fighter. An American worker-supporting, foreign oil dependency-fighting, global warming-stopping, American-made vehicle. Is that so much to ask for?

Perhaps such a vehicle wouldn't resonate particularly well with a majority of the GM faithful, but such a Volt would, however, resonate with millions of Americans that don't particularly care for GM's environmental and fuel economy efforts.

Poor fuel economy - Blame the consumers?

Yesterday, the director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Margo Oge, told a crowd at SAE that automakers and energy companies needed to work together to achieve increased fuel economy and reduced emissions. Immediately, disagreement came from every direction, according to the DetroitNews. Is it hydrogen, is it ethanol, is it fuel cells, is it cleaner gasoline, is it hybrid cars?

While there was little consensus on any sort of answer to creating better fuel economy and reducing emissions, there was some consensus regarding consumers and their role in this conundrum. Typically, consumers want the cheapest fuel - regardless of emissions, regardless of foreign oil dependency - and consumers quickly tend to choose performance over fuel economy.

"The challenge we face is that a vast majority of our customers choose fuel based on cost and convenience even over concerns such as greenhouse gases," Shell Oil Vice President for Fuel Development Darran Messem said.

Steve Plotkin, transportation energy analyst at Argonne National Laboratory, added "Americans have chosen performance over efficiency for years," as he suggested that the government will have to mandate some standards.

I say forget mandates, let's do a gas tax. It makes consumers take action that will require a fuel economy-driven reaction from automakers. Ultimately, if consumers aren't part of the solution, then the problem will only get bigger.

Isn't foreign oil dependency the ultimate safety issue?

Some 35,000 automotive engineers will meet in Detroit this week for the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress where fuel economy will be an important focus due to the growing political concerns regarding global warming and foreign oil dependency. Thus, automakers will show off a host of hybrid cars, clean diesels and fuel cell vehicles.

Nonetheless, safety will also be an extremely important issue. Inevitably, consumers still value safety far more than fuel economy. Still, it's a bit surprising that there is such a disconnect between safety and fuel economy. With numerous national security experts claiming that foreign oil dependency is possibly the greatest National Security threat to the U.S., why is fuel economy not correlated with 'safety' by either consumers or U.S. automakers?

Ultimately, isn't foreign oil dependency the ultimate safety issue?

Gas tax to fight foreign oil dependency and/or global warming?

Blah, blah, blah!

Sure you talk about global warming. Or, maybe you talk more about foreign oil dependency?

But what are you doing about it?

---> More on Would you support a gas tax to fight foreign oil dependency or global warming?

GM's Lutz says fuel efficiency too expensive

Are flex-fuel lies killing GM?

GM's Bob Lutz is claiming that President Bush's plans to increase automobile fuel efficiency could raise the cost of automobiles by $5000.00, according to the DetroitNews. Rather than increase fuel efficiency, Lutz claims increased availability of ethanol is a better solution.

I'm so tired of hearing about GM's ethanol plans. First, GM is using cheap flex-fuel technology as a loophole to violate CAFE. As a result GM can't even meet the CAFE laws created 20 years ago, let alone more stringent rules. Consequently, GM is using legal loopholes to avoid paying massive fines, while increasing America's foreign oil dependency more than should be allowed by law. Second, corn-based ethanol is not a good solution to resolving America's energy problems. Third, GM is an automaker, not an energy company, so focus on automotive technology.

While Toyota achieves record months of sales significantly helped by hybrid cars, such as the Prius, GM has yet to sell one full hybrid vehicle. Why? Why can't GM realize that fuel efficiency is becoming ever more a critical aspect of automobile manufacturing survival - possibly and probably the key to the automotive future?

The good 'ole days of gas-guzzling land yachts are over. Deal with it.