Posts Tagged ‘Energy Independence’

Pro-American? The Big 3 plan for US energy independence

Is this real American, Big 3 leadership?

Is the Big 3 really any better than Big oil?

We build what Americans want. That’s the mantra US automakers tout regarding their over-dependence upon gas-guzzling pickup trucks time and time again. So, what about the other 50 percent of America? LOL! We really are a divided country, but in so many convoluted ways.

Anyway, I’ve been thinking a lot about the Big 3 recently, especially since coming across a JD Power study regarding the importance of perception and how it affects US auto consumers — we’re pretty manipulable, even to our disadvantage. Then came the Super Bowl commercials, particularly Clint Eastwood’s Chrysler commercial and also GM’s Chevy Silverado apocalypse commercial.

All of it has me wondering, when it comes to being pro-American, are the Big 3 really any better than Big oil? Read more…

Lutz: Peak oil, global warming myths; electrification real

Is fracking inherently so much more dangerous than foreign oil dependence?

The new world order of energy?

If you attended the recent Deloitte & Touche oil and gas conference in Houston, you were left with one realization, according to Bob Lutz of BMW, Chrysler, Ford, and GM fame: US energy independence is now a potential reality. Thanks to an oil and natural gas boom, something even Lutz didn’t believe in until listening to the experts at the conference, OPEC independence could be achieved “in a period of a few years”.

Similarly, Lutz still believes man-caused global warming is just as much a myth as peak oil has become.

Nevertheless, despite a lack of CO2 or peak oil worries, Lutz still believes electrification is inevitable, and it won’t need to be supported by the government, at least not long term. Read more…

Plug-in car focus a cord around energy independence’s neck?

Leaving a lot of foreign oil fighting potential on the table

It’s time to get real about the costs of US foreign oil dependence

In my opinion, ending foreign oil dependence — at least achieving North American independence — is far easier than many might imagine. Ironically, today independence appears even significantly more within reach compared to just a few years ago.

But, it takes real vision to grasp this energy independence potential, but it’s not the seer-like kind of vision that can foresee the technological future some might expect. Rather it takes the vision to simply seize the opportunities available today. Carpe diem! Read more…

President Obama is missing the hybrid revolution

The hybrid revolution and unprecedented greatness

Time for the President to listen to his Job’s Council

One can only laugh, or perhaps cry, at the irony of today’s political world. This morning I learned that the President was rejecting the Keystone Pipeline, an outcome most closely following this story expected because of the political prowess of those against the pipeline and their importance to the 2012 election. Then oddly enough, came the release of the President’s Job’s Council’s Road Map to Renewal that strongly suggests that pipelines like Keystone, and the jobs such natural resource orientated endeavors will bring, are essential to American economic viability.

Just like cars, the hybrid approach to US energy policy” just can’t get no respect”. Read more…

Plug-in forecasts: Revenge of the hybrid car

The battery powered revolution goes through hybrid cars.

Too much hype and politics, but not enough honesty, in the battery-powered space

Over the years I’ve become plug-in cynical. It’s not that I hate plug-ins. On the contrary I love them, and I support plug-in purchases. Unfortunately, for years a number of automakers have used plug-ins as an excuse not to build conventional hybrid cars, often with the support and encouragement of many plug-in advocates, whom too often believe such vehicles are passe.

Yet, over and over and over the facts have continued to suggest and to demonstrate, in fact to almost guarantee, that such an idea isn’t just blatantly wrong, but possibly very dangerous and counter-productive to both a clean and secure energy future for America.

And the latest findings by the study California’s Energy Future – Transportation Energy Use in California, sponsored by the California Energy Future (CEF) project, are the final nail in that coffin. Read more…

Using GM as a metric for American clean energy independence

Can eAssist really challange Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive?

Can GM drive America to foreign oil independence?

I’m not sure what to think of GM’s Dan Akerson. His tele-mobile experience suggests great potential as telematics continue their conquest into the auto sector, possibly even rivaling sustainable energy as the next big thing in the auto segment. But his criticism of cars like the Toyota Prius demonstrates real automotive ignorance.

Nevertheless, for at least the next decade or so, the world will still have to linger in the days of caveman energy. Fortunately, some recent commentary by GM’s Dan Akerson helps shed some light on the path GM is taking towards an American clean energy independent future. Read more…

Crashing a Chevy Volt into Republican Party headquarters

The Volt isn't the key energy policy conversation point.

Burn, baby, burn

I’m not sure what to think of Ray LaHood. Without solid evidence, LaHood crushed Toyota’s image during the sudden acceleration scandal that so suddenly disappeared. Yet, he allegedly hid evidence suggesting there might be some minor flaws in Chevy Volt plug-in engineering (And I do mean, minor.). Thus, it’s arguable that LaHood projects the impression of hidden agendas.

Regardless, I believe the facts demonstrate that the Volt is safer than the average car by every measure. Sure, if a Volt is involved in a serious accident and the battery isn’t depowered, it could eventually spontaneously combust — LONG after its occupants have left the vehicle. Yes, that’s still a problem, but a relatively easy problem to fix.

Ultimately, the Volt is a GREAT vehicle, except when it comes to the one factor that matters most: cost. Nevertheless, Republicans lose EVERY bit of intelligent energy policy standing every time they attack the Volt.
Read more…

When the grid goes black: Plug-ins, solar power and energy security

Can a smart grid + solar power + plug-ins secure America?

Too bad batteries, fuel cells and solar panels aren’t cheaper

Living in the stone ages. That’s how I felt for a while after losing my power Wednesday night. Sure, the first few hours were tolerable, but after 24 hours things started to feel a little surreal. After 48 hours, things turned just plain crazy. It’s not just the loss of lights or the lack of a refrigerator that gets to you, but the inability to even fix the damage all around. It’s utter helplessness.

Fortunately, I’m now fully reconnected to the power grid and the American life, but the experience certainly reinforced my desire to achieve energy independence — if only it were easier. Read more…

Is the US already stuck in the energy trap?

The energy trap energy pricing conundrum

Can foreign oil independence help us reframe the energy conversation in a productive way?

Back in 2007-2008, before the oncoming economic crash was apparent, Americans were mad as hell. $4.00 gasoline was driving the average American crazy.

But, what if $6.00+ gasoline was the only path, beginning immediately, towards a sustainable future — an idea I’m extrapolating to some extent from the very interesting article, The Energy Trap.

Would Americans buy in? Yeah, right. Read more…

Should the US have an energy independence plan?

Is Congress motivated by the people or by reelection?

Or, even an oil-ending transport plan?

The European Commission today is actively seeking to develop a plan to move away from oil towards alternative fuels in the EU, most recently launching a public consultation on the matter.

Should the US, via a non-partisan forum, also be investigating a straightforward, honest and transparent plan towards US energy independence? Read more…