YAY! Finally Americans are doing something about it

Man, it's been a ferocious battle over our wallets. I just can't believe it finally is actually starting to pay off. Americans - the world's largest oil consumer (by far) - have finally put their feet down and done something about the out of control oil prices.

I am extremely happy to post a link to this article that talks more about the details of how this happened, and if it will keep going.

He expects gasoline prices to average $3.75 to $3.85 nationwide for the immediate future. "That won't likely be enough to bring back that demand that we've lost," he said.

"The trend is unmistakable" -- people are using less gasoline than in 2007 and a 20-cent per gallon or so price break isn't likely to disrupt that trend, he said.

Charles Perry, president of energy-consulting firm Perry Management, admits that "adjustment" in demand is a long-term project since "we are creatures of habit as far as our driving is concerned." But demand for gasoline has dropped and "will continue to drop as the public changes its driving habits and moves into smaller cars."

I am proud to be a part of this movement against oil companies. Not just with my ethanol stills, but personally. For the last 2 months I've ridden my bike to work (at least 3 times a week), not just to save money on gas (yes, of course), but also to stick it to these people who KEEP driving up the price of oil. It's ridiculous!



AND YET - there's always some freak out there with a negative comment.

Here's a second great article about this topic:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-gas29-2008jul29,0,4637883.story

You can see from this comment, though, that some people just can't be satisfied no matter which direction things go. Although, I must say, I wasn't surprised that this one comes from some sort of government agency...

-- cutting back so much that Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters warned Monday of a looming shortfall in the fund that pays for highway and bridge construction and repairs.

Thanks,
Al

Wow... Auto makers are FINALLY getting the idea

I can't believe I'm finally reading this stuff in the news.

I mean, I've been asking this question for months. And you probably have as well.

It looks like they've finally decided to actually start heavily manufacturing more gas efficient vehicles.

WOW! I coulda had a V8.

It's about freaking time, oh, and the article's worth reading too.

Gas may be getting just a bit cheaper, but major changes in how Americans live and drive are already in motion.

Car buyers have been fleeing to more fuel-efficient models. U.S. sales of pickups and sport utility vehicles are down nearly 18 percent this year through June, while sales of small cars are up more than 10 percent.

While slashing production of more-profitable trucks and SUVs, automakers have been scurrying to build their most fuel-efficient models faster.

I'm loving the first and second part of the quote. Hopefully, just hopefully, things have already gone past the tipping point - where people are no longer willing to let things stay as they were. When everything's good, nobody's willing to make changes. But when everything goes to crap, American's decide to make changes. And, I think, that will cause some major ripples to emanate through the marketplace. Which will be good. Some people need to WAKE UP, and see what's coming.


As for me, I've been catching a lot of time on my bicycle, going back and forth to work (and yes I work in Florida - and YES it's hot)


I put in about 10 miles on the days I ride. Not too bad! When I think about getting 16 miles to the gallon, my bike rides seem like a great deal.


All the best,
Al

Forced 10% ethanol mixture with gasoline

I was listening to the radio on the drive into work this morning.

They were saying it could become mandatory for gas stations to include up to 10% ethanol in their gasoline in the near future. Some stations have already been doing this, but not all. And some drivers choose to avoid those stations.

However, it could become a law, that all the stations would have to supplement their normal gas supply with ethanol in the future.

I haven't read anything about this yet, but as I get more info on it I'll try and add it in.


Al

Cool new house - Big bucks now, for lower costs later?

I learned about this place at work, the other day.

This guy built this house to run on Hydrogen. It's got some pretty amazing features.
It's definitely worth taking a look at:
Hydrogen House

Picture - David Biello / © SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN

As you read through, it's pretty impressive...
until you see how much it cost.
And then, once you pick yourself up off of the floor, you can finish reading the rest of it.

Talk soon,

Al