The Oil Crisis and Alternative Energy

Check out the article by CNN correspondent, Frank Sesno, about the oil crisis in this country and alternative sources. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/14/bts.sesno.gas/index.html

It is my opinion that we clearly have alternate sources of oil and energy, so why in the world are we suffering from record high gas prices and energy prices? I just don’t get it. From educated and intellectual conversations that I have had with friends through this entire gasoline debacle, we have the technology to convert our greedy, oil-consuming country from a gross-polluting enemy of the environment to a friendly, green, environmentally conscious society. Check out the You Tube video and the ticker tracking the cost of US Oil consumption: http://water4gas.com/2books.htm. Check out the battery powered sports car: http://www.teslamotors.com/.

So why don’t we use this technology? Do you think that it is some conspiracy to keep the American people in the dark about alternative energy solutions that will not only save our environment for future generations but also save our pocket books? How many of our elected officials really care about us, the middle-class little guy? My personal opinion is that our elected officials are currently thriving on the high prices we pay at the pump and the thermostat. They are sitting on the Boards of Directors for the oil companies and making the highest dividends they have ever made on their shares. Why in the world would they propose legislation to stiffen the fuel efficiency requirements on vehicles as Jimmy Carter did in the 70s?

According to the CNN article, Brazil, another industrialized nation, has become completely independent on foreign oil, using 40% ethanol. I don’t see why we couldn’t reduce our oil consumption to 25% immediately if we implemented the use of ethanol, water powered cars, hybrid and battery operated vehicles.

The flip side of this coin, however, is that these sources are not necessarily renewable sources. So in another 100 years, do we put ourselves in the same boat with water? During years of drought we are already struggling with enough water to drink, bath, cook and water our lawns. Our reservoirs (at least here on the west coast) are at low percentages of normal capacity due to our relatively dry winter. Water is a renewable resource, but can it renew fast enough for our gluttonous usage?

Ethanol, made from corn, is definitely a renewable resource. We can grow it and process it, all in the course of months. Of course with corn, we are at the mercy of the growing seasons and the crop yields. We can import it. But does this defeat the purpose of independence? Will the cost of corn eventually sky rocket as in the case of gas? Yes, I think this will occur. That’s free enterprise.

Hybrid energy, I think, is a great start to independence. I don’t think that we are developing this fast enough. I know that had my car (remember, the expensive gas-guzzling SUV) been available in a Hybrid when I bought it 2 years ago, I would’ve opted for the Hybrid. Now, of course it is: http://www.gmc.com/yukonhybrid/index.jsp.

In my less-than-expert opinion on energy sources, the most renewable source possible, that will never diminish is solar energy. It is my limited understanding that our current problem with solar power, is how to store it. This would be the idea energy source for all of our needs, should we ever develop a way to store it in a convenient usable way.

I guess my point to this entire post is simply this: I truly hope that one day soon, we will be a country free from the economic control of the Middle East.