Energy

[JOEBIALEK]

As a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the growing uncertainty with the situation in the Middle East, South America and Europe, the United States is now forced to re-think its energy policy so that it can lower energy consumption of and dependence on foreign oil. Just as the automobile replaced the horse-drawn carriage so it is time for the electric battery to replace the gasoline engine. We are at the dawn of a new age when one can plug their car into an electric outlet and re-charge it for travel up to sixty miles or more. But with any wholesale change comes the requirement of a transitional mechanism. Hence the need for a vehicle that can run alternatively on both gasoline and electricity. The goal of course would be to make a total conversion within a reasonable amount of time. Most of the electricity produced in the United States comes from coal-fired power plants so the concern by some is that a reduction in tailpipe emissions would be offset by an increase in air pollution from the power plants. Others argue that the sheer volume of reduced vehicle emissions would fall far greater than plant-produced air pollution. We may even see a coalition of military hawks and environmentalists as fuel efficiency brings about both security and a better climate.

Few would argue that two factors influence consumer's choice of transportation more than anything else: gas mileage and appearance. Ever since the automobile became available to the average consumer, it has always been considered a status symbol much like the clothing we wear and the houses we live in. The price of electricity is pale compared to the price of gasoline so this factor is virtually a no-brainer. The choice of appearance however, will always linger as long as we believe that "appearance makes the person". But this factor can also be addressed during the transition phase since it appears that most vehicles today can be modified to use both fuel sources. As for the future, the old tried and true marketing techniques will convince most people that buying the style of car available will guarantee that the "future won't pass them by". Just as Japanese cars promoting fuel efficiency in response to the oil embargo of the 1970's sparked the Big Three to respond accordingly so will the shift to electric vehicles change the market once again. Perhaps this time General Motors, Ford and Daimler Chrysler will get the "jump on the competition" and in so doing, save themselves from bankruptcy.

[keith]

I have a Toyota Prius. Hybrid gas and electric motor. Over 40 MPG year-round average in the real Wisconsin driving world. The new ones do 8-10 MPG better than that!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO PLUG THEM IN! I keep mentioning that because half the time it is the first thing people ask.

You're getting a $40,000 car for $22 to $26k, rated #1 for initial quality by JD Edwards. JUST DO NOT GO TO SAFRO TOYOTA ON CAPITOL DRIVE IN BROOKFIELD.

Hydrogen should be a huge help. So would building homes with common sense. The Greeks were smart enough to orient windows to the South 2,000 years ago. Why aren't we? Simple things like shade trees for air conditioning and evergreens as winter wind breaks - they're beutiful, save big $$$ and help us all breath better. Check out www.arborday.org!

Nice post, JOEBIALEK; good to see people thinking about these things.

Regards,
Keith[/b]

[Kris10]

I love that vehicles can be rigged to run on used grease. You're using a resource we have a ton of, and your car emits a nice, light french fry scent! We definitely need to look at alternative fuels, and Lord knows we have plenty of grease in the USA!

My next car will definitely be a hybrid with gas prices being the way they are. Aren't there tax breaks for people driving fuel-efficient cars? I'd love to see a tax imposed on people driving gas-guzzling SUVs. Unless you really need that thing to scale a mountain, they seem so unnecessary (other than creating a false sense of status and self-esteem).

[TJMac]

Well my next car will be a hybrid...I am very concerned about all the worlds resources for my great grandkids...
I agree...SUV/gas guzzler owners should pay more...as a matter of fact..I think they should have their own fuel pumps at the gas stations where they pay double...and the rest of us who have good milage cars get some good breaks.
Why is it in everything that the 'smart' people get screwed over b/c others want to be 'stupid' when it comes to our resources.
The only ones who should get gas breaks who use allot of gas should be farmers and those who drive big trucks that keeps the country going..
Our country is on the brink of paying for its stupidity b/c of the almighty buck in this country...look at all the lost jobs b/c jobs are going to other countries...what ever happened to a country taking care of its own first..oh I could go on and on....lol

[krazzydart]

it is a nice thing to save energy... But the "man" gotta make his Millions from someplace!!!! RIGHT????
Alll they are gonna do is jack up the rates... I've noticed this allready!!

[MrKhay]

sure...Americans love their cars.
Is there a particular reason why all houses built can't have a solar array on the roof? Because it's Wisconsin, and we don't get the sun that the more southern regions do, we can each have a wind mill in the yard, or on the roof.
Remember, there's all that radioactive waste we have to dispose of from a nuclear power plant.
Hydrogen does sound like the answer, or cold fusion, or anti matter.
Humans were born to explore.

[MrKhay]

sure...Americans love their cars.
Is there a particular reason why all houses built can't have a solar array on the roof? Because it's Wisconsin, and we don't get the sun that the more southern regions do, we can each have a wind mill in the yard, or on the roof.
Remember, there's all that radioactive waste we have to dispose of from a nuclear power plant.
Hydrogen does sound like the answer, or cold fusion, or anti matter.
Humans were born to explore.

[kmfarm]

Here's what I think. Every drop of oil we buy from the MidEast should be replaced by oil bought from Canada. They have plenty. Why not make our friendly neighbors rich instead of the Arabs.

Turn off the money supply and watch them dry up. They can keep their oil. Or, they sell it at a 90% discount before we go back.

Mark

[MrKhay]

Originally Posted by kmfarm

Here's what I think. Every drop of oil we buy from the MidEast should be replaced by oil bought from Canada. They have plenty. Why not make our friendly neighbors rich instead of the Arabs.

Turn off the money supply and watch them dry up. They can keep their oil. Or, they sell it at a 90% discount before we go back.

Mark

China would buy it all from the Arabs, then we'd have to contend with more Chinese competition.

[kmfarm]

Originally Posted by Brain

China would buy it all from the Arabs, then we'd have to contend with more Chinese competition.

Hey Brain,

I know it's not realistic, but think of it.... Negotiate a better price from the Canadians, our economy booms,their economy booms, and we don't crumble every time there's a minor incident somewhere East that's completely unrelated to what oil costs yet drives up the price. Then, if the Chinese want to put up with the Arabs and their shenanigans, let them. With our Economy better than ever, we could still compete globaly and I believe, still stay on top.

As you know, Crude oil is the basis for alot more than just gas. Everything petoleum based would get cheaper.

Besides, I don't think the Chinese would give the money we do. Nor would they build a military to defend the supply like we do. It'd be worth it just to watch.

Just my little dream.

Mark

[MrKhay]

Originally Posted by kmfarm

Hey Brain,

I know it's not realistic, but think of it.... Negotiate a better price from the Canadians, our economy booms,their economy booms, and we don't crumble every time there's a minor incident somewhere East that's completely unrelated to what oil costs yet drives up the price. Then, if the Chinese want to put up with the Arabs and their shenanigans, let them. With our Economy better than ever, we could still compete globaly and I believe, still stay on top.

As you know, Crude oil is the basis for alot more than just gas. Everything petoleum based would get cheaper.

Besides, I don't think the Chinese would give the money we do. Nor would they build a military to defend the supply like we do. It'd be worth it just to watch.

Just my little dream.

Mark

Good points. Yes, about everything that contains some sort of plastic comes from petroleum. Consider that covers everything from kitchen utensils, to automobile parts, to medical equipment...what else...?
I think we should get away from fossil fuels, and definitly not burn food for fuel, and focus on the clean energy out there...most of it is free...solar, wind, hydro, including hydrogen. Technology has come along way since the internal combustion engine was invented. I think mankind is smarter than the government wants to let us believe.

[j10asen]

Originally Posted by Brain

Good points. Yes, about everything that contains some sort of plastic comes from petroleum. Consider that covers everything from kitchen utensils, to automobile parts, to medical equipment...what else...?
I think we should get away from fossil fuels, and definitly not burn food for fuel, and focus on the clean energy out there...most of it is free...solar, wind, hydro, including hydrogen. Technology has come along way since the internal combustion engine was invented. I think mankind is smarter than the government wants to let us believe.

Hey guys
These are all good ides, especially the use of renewable resources that do not polute such as wind,solar,hydro. The big problem is the monetary resources to implement such methods. Most investors want an instant return on their investment. It is much easy to buy a barrel of oil and convert it to profit versus research ,development and implementation of new energy resources. That all takes time and in the world of "want it now" it does not happen.

The middle east has always been a hot spot for conflict and probably always will be a hot spot for conflict. I am sure there are many agreements made in effort to maintian some resemblance to peace in the area that the oil supply line from that area will not stop flowing. The other key item is ,there is more foreign influence at the the corporate level of oil companies than what you might think, opec holds a bigger stake than you might think.

I recall recently a guy in the U.S some place (not sure where) converted his car to run on used cooking oil. He saved a money like crazy and bragged about it so much that the goverment hit him for road tax he was not paying while using the alternate fuel.
Now if that is not incentive, what is?