Part 2: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Politics of Oil

“SAVE ALASKA WITHOUT HAVING A BRAIN TRANSPLANT”

It’s true.

North Americans, though many can be accurately described as idiots much of the time (read Part 1 for context), could easily prove to the world they are, in fact, just the opposite.

Within reach of a very high percentage of North Americans is the means to declare we are the smartest and most conscientious of human citizens -- by resolving, for example (this is just one opportunity among many), to stop looking at Alaska as a source of oil, and start looking at that pristine natural gem instead as a source of inspiration.

No brain transplant is required to make that transition.

Just the understanding we can accommodate our energy needs (viewed as excessive by many other countries) in a more productive and efficient way.

I read the following recently in the book ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Politics of Oil’:

The Natural Resources Defense Council released a report entitled “Responsible Energy Policy for the Twenty-First Century” in March 2001. The report concluded that by raising fuel-economy standards by 60 percent in the United States, automobile oil use could be reduced by 51 billion barrels. Another 5.8 billion barrels could be saved if the U.S. required fuel-efficient replacement tires.

The savings is based on improving cars’ efficiency to 45 mpg and light trucks’ to 34 mpg. Technology that matches these goals has already been developed and is in use in other countries.

Let’s do the math.

Oil saved by applying two doable methods = 56.8 billion barrels in 100 years (56, 800, 000, 000 barrels).

Oil conserved per year = 568 million barrels.

Oil reportedly to be recoverable from Alaskan fields at peak production per year = 150 million barrels.

In other words, the oil saved by two conservation methods easily within our grasp dwarfs what Alaska has to offer energy-wise.

Exploration costs, animal habitat, beautiful natural environment and oil distribution costs would also be saved, among other things. (Now that’s an inspiring story).

And what better use of modern technology can you think of?

Compared to saving one of the planet’s natural wonders, how does a cellphone call from a city bus in New York to a friend in San Francisco stack up?

How does the ability to go from 0 - 60 mph in 6.7 sec. in a souped up Civic so a person can arrive at the next red light just ahead of someone else stack up?

I don’t think we need brain transplant in order to answer those questions.

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Stay tuned for Part 3: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Politics of Oil

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