Does Anyone Have Any Realistic Ideas On How To Stop Being Dependent on Foreign Oil?

I'd like to see this ';bite the hand that feeds you'; approach from oil producing countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezeula(sp?).





I know electricity needs can be met by the new gasification methods for coal production. My main worry would be the petrol needs for all kinds of transportation.





What are some ideas? Should we state drilling the heck out of the California coast? Or would people be happier if we did it in Alaska? Those seem to be the two main options.





On the efficiency front, I continue to be confident that the market will produce higher efficient vehicles when it's possible. A car that has the pulling/horse power of today's vehicles and runs at 80 mpg would make record profits.Does Anyone Have Any Realistic Ideas On How To Stop Being Dependent on Foreign Oil?
Drill in Alaska, the Gulf Coast, and anywhere else we have oil. Pump as much out as possible.





While that's going on, invest heavily in research to alternative fuel sources.Does Anyone Have Any Realistic Ideas On How To Stop Being Dependent on Foreign Oil?
My idea is to replace the current gang of thugs and criminals in Washington, and then to restore the free market. We would do this by watching OPEC collapse when be began extracting our own oil from the US. I would encourage offshore oil exploration and exploitation.





At the same time, I would encourage the proliferation of nuclear generating plants for the production of electrical power.





And all of this could be done safely, and with no significant environmental damage. I know this is contrary to the propaganda that many of you have been subjected to over the years. Just remember, when you get your information from known liars, you have to have a little skepticism.





All the lies about the dangers of nuclear power, and why we can't get our own oil out of the ground, is being told to you by the same people who told you about Y2K. THEY, are the problem. They are working for OPEC, not for you.
Don't forget the new oil discovery in Utah. Lots of oil there. The feds just have to be willing to loosen up regulations.





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Converting coal to gas is a viable option ( and there is lots of it in the US ) along with ethanol, both of which can be used with current diesel and gasoline engines. More nuclear power generating plants, windmills ( especially affordable ';personal'; windmills for the home), solar, trash to steam plants, as well as power plants that derived energy from human and animal excrement. Outlawing incandescent light bulbs, and low mileage autos, auto manufactures should not be allowed to average their MPG's, start out at min. 20 mpg and increase by 5mpg every year until we hit 60 to 80 mpg. One and two seat vehicles for the work commute, mandatory 5 passengers for 6 and higher capacity autos. Perhaps a vehicle that has dual ';sections'; ( one/two seats for work and errand commute, add on section for family) Geothermal heating and cooling for both private homes and public buildings, solar panels on every roof. I could probably think of more.
some things have to be given up at some stage, and i think the car is the prime candidate. under a free market, oil won't run out, it'll just get more and more expensive until it becomes a luxury item and the rich still drive while the poor depend on alternative means.





something must also be done about the amount of plastics used and discarded too. oil is literally being processed and then just being thrown back underground in the form of bags, bottles and packaging. it makes no sense.
Conservation in all areas. However, not many are going to be willing to make or legislate that kind of sacrifice.
Teleportation. Much more realistic than conservation
Kill the pigs who keep us dependent on fossil fuel and search for alternatives. Stop driving SUVs.
What's wrong with solar cells? For the half trillion dollars flushed down the Iraqi toilet, every house in America could have had them. And there's no excuse why electric cars can't be the norm. It's just a matter of time. One thing for sure, oil is going to run out.
Well, developing an affordable, alternative technology to gas engines is the answer - period.





We're not going to give up cars.
Sadly, even if we do increase drilling in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico and increase our efficiency market for oil is a world market and the price is dependent on the world market. For example, right now according to the Dept of Energy, approx 95% of all the natural gas used in the US actually comes from here in the US and can be made cheaper and transported easier here. However, since gas companies can make more money by selling it abroad they will sell it abroad and keep the profit.





Also, don't forget that although there are currently alternatives for petroleum based fuels there are currently very few alternatives for certain types of petroleum based lubricants used in industrial machinery.





Solar power technology is still so expensive that in most cases it is still cheaper to use the current sources of energy. Plus, many parts of the US do not receive enough sunny days to ever replace fossil fuels as a source of energy.