In our local newspaper, they had a question to “Word on the Street“ column where they stop and ask a few people what they think about different issues. The follow is a recent question and what reply I sent into the paper. For some time now I have been meaning to post about this but have just been too busy!
How can Americans become less dependent on foreign fuel?
I agree with others that we need to move to resources such as bio-fuels, geothermal, solar and wind energy, but these all long term solutions. For the short term, I would suggest determining how much consumers (not commercial transportation) use of gasoline and diesel. Then take that number and reduce it by say ten to twenty-five percent and set nation wide consumer fuel rationing plan at that level.
Just enacting the rationing could drive the prices down, but even if the prices go down, the rationing should continue in place permanently. This would help motivate people into new forms of energy.
Currently, the sad truth is that many poorer people have already cut back their energy use while those with deeper pocket books continue to fuel up the old Hummers without any thought of the price. To me, it is much like driving down the road where you are required by law to stay at a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead of you, but in today's world, if you do, others will pass you and fill in that safe space and the end result, you are still too close.
The only method to truly reduce fuel consumption is to make it fair for everyone!