Ok, tried to leave this before and haloscan hung - argh! Shortened version: the problem is too immediate to leave to technology. We're gushing money out of our economy (remember the multiplier effect from econ 101?) and even worse we're effectively funding the terrorists we claim to be at war with. Nearly every pundit I've read -- and I read a lot of them -- across the political spectrum agrees we need some sort of oil/gas tax. Heck, I'd take a non-tax (say $1.50 more per gallon, but you get it rebated at the end of the year -- people would start conserving now and use the money for other things later and public transportation/airlines would do the same because they couldn't afford the losses from the float). But not a single member of Congress (let alone the "we're not going to conserve our way out of this" Administration) has the courage to propose it.
Another note: 75% reduction of Persian Gulf imports? Carter's CAFE regs had cut them by 87%, creating an oil glut in 1986 when Reagan ended them. Thanks SUV's.
Ok, that wasn't the shortened version...
Simply making SUVs subject to the same regs as cars would be a good start.
I think this will take care of itself. When gas hits $6 a gallon, the economy will adapt.
how about just carpooling? i'm outside of boston and providence and i can't tell you how many single (asshat) drivers are on the road. it is a simple fix, and cuts consumption waaaay down.
we're a society that doesn't know our neighbors, only looks out for number 1, and we've grown dangerously complacent.
i used to walk to my ob/gyn's appt because a. it's frigging good for you and b. it was 1.4 miles from my house. people thought i was crazy.
unfortunately the tangled skein of lobbyists and car manufacturers and oil importers and who owes whom a favor won't help with any kind of sensible resolutions.
*siiigh*
your kid sure is cute!
Commenting by HaloScan
