Originally Posted by
402DRVR
You know I've been reading most of this thread and seen a lot of opinions on the subject. I think there needs to be a middle ground. Stop bashing Bush/Cheney ( not saying I support them) and stop bashing the greenies.
The facts are indisputable. Oil is more expensive than ten years ago. There is more demand for energy. Unfortunately simply getting off oil tomorrow is not possible. Probably not even in the next twenty years. Altenatives will not supply all the power overnight. Unfortunatley that point is used too often as an argument to give up completely on alternative energy and stick our heads in the sand.
We need to work to reduce our consumption. I.E. hybrid cars (I just bought one and am saving a lot of money), more efficient light bulbs, more efficient building practices, better mileage from vehicles, and perhaps, taxing high mpg vehicles that are just not practical. Europeans have been driving vehicels for decades which get 30-50 mpg. You just don't see a lot of hummers or SUVs over there. Truth is if we were paying as much for gas as they are you would not see a lot of them over here either. There is an instant reduction in demand. Unfortunately the American consumer is not ready to accept a smaller vehicle even though it would, for the most part, suit their needs.
I believe if we increase effieciency in the way we use fossil fuels, at the same time as we develop alternatives to eventually replace it, we will see oil phased out. But, it is going to take a very long time to do it.
I'm European, Norwegian actually, yes we have been driving vehicles for decades at 30-40 mpg. These vehicles are mostly diesel powered. I think its safe to mention on approximately 50% of the autos in Europe are diesel powered.
We also have old/small roads in most urban areas and this contributed to a steady growth of small cars. not big SUVs. Small cars were developed for these tight parking and small streets. I believe most Europeans would love to have an SUV, however they won't acknowledge it in public.
Unfortunately, the expensive and mandated environmental policy that has taken hold in the last twenty years in Europe was only really possible because we always had access to a viable public train and bus system. European culture is totally different than North America. We also have hundred of thousands of Bicyles with riders riding to work everyday in the rain. I don't understand why people envy this lifestyle.
Yes, Europe looks very tempting to an increasing gullible American public. I can guarantee you Europe is very inconvient and expensive for personal living. Its hard to really get ahead. Please don't look at us as a role model on most economic, social and environmental policy unless you like socialism.
Energy efficiency, not conservation is what should be the goal. Oil industry is like most industries with a cyclical flow of peaks and valley.
The sky is not falling but I think the price of oil and gold will.
EAHINC