Freedom From Oil - David Sandalow
February 15 2008 William writes:
This book is written in the format of memos to the next president of US. They detail which policies could effectively reduce our nation’s oil consumption. The solutions are explain in plain and simple terms without delving deeply into the science of each energy technology. Sandolow recommends Plug in Hybrids, Cellulosic Ethanol, and a Gas Tax as the three best methods break our oil addiction. Though their are some inaccuracies in his explanations of the science behind the energy technologies, the proposed policies would set America in the write direction.
My thoughts on the book…
Define the problem
“To become independent of foreign oil, we must become independent of oil” p4. People and especially political leaders point fingers to the elusive oil villain “foreign oil” simply because it’s easier to blame someone else. Misdefining the problem hinders the understanding of the real problem and wastes effort on policies that won’t solve the problem.
“The United States has absolutely no comparative advantage in the production of oil. Why have we allowed ourselves to become so dependent on it(p17).”
Focus on the First Issues First:
Nuclear power, solar power and wind power can’t help wean the United States from oil without major changes to our vehicle fleet (p16). In order to reduce the breadth of the possible actionable solutions to a manageable size, the solutions that must come first must be given priority. For example, as long as the majority of automobiles use gasoline or diesel, adding capacity to the grid will do nothing to alleviate or demand for crude oil. Change the energy source of the automobile first because this will take over 10 years, then focus on adding more electricity sources.
Military funding of energy research and improvements:
Renewable energy systems can provide a strategic advantage to the military and should be funded intensively by the Department of Defense. The defense department uses .3 million barrels of oil/day so any improved efficiencies that reduce this consumption could easily pay for it’s self. What about offering any company that could improve energy efficiencies four years worth of the documented value of energy saved from their technology? In July 2006, General Richard Zilmer made a “Priority 1″ request for renewable energy systems at outlying bases (p24). The military knows that energy insecurities place our forces in a precarious position and are moving toward solutions .
Random Facts:
The average US savings rate is negative (p45). This is scary but is debatable.
The quantity of oil required to produce a dollar of GDP has been reduced dramatically since 1973. This has helped prevent an economic decline due to higher energy costs and is one more example of why improving efficiency in the US is so important.
- 1973 - 1.46 barrels / $1000 GDP
- 2006 - 0.66 barrels / $1000 GDP
One study found 2.3 billion gallons of gasoline per year are wasted due to traffic congestion. p151
“I love science because it is a great multiplier of resources.” Vinod Khosla
“History does not give us confidence that private interests alone would adequately safeguard the national interests.” - Henry Cabot Lodge