Energy Independece?

Question

Not because we’re going to melt the world or the pigmy 3-toed bat will go extinct.

If we

1: Replace all gas cars with hydrogen cars

2: Require all homes to produce sufficient energy to run their home during the day using solar, wind, hydro, or other renewable power.

The result would be:

1: We would treat the Middle East as we do Somalia. Every time they killed another million locals, we'd look across the ocean and click out tongues and say, "Isn't that too bad." Then go back to ignoring them.

2: We could also make it quite clear that any act of terrorism against the US or our allies would be met with the deadliest response. Then follow through.

3: Insulate our economy from the price fluctuation of oil.

4: Thumb our noses at the holier than thou Europeans.

5: Make the world a better smelling place.

Before anyone starts whining about technology, my plan would take 10 years. But, you don't get to the finish line if you don't start.

Lucky, you sound just like the energy executives from the 70s. We can never clean our emissions, we'll go broke. But, they did clean the emissions and not go broke.

I'm not saying the conversion would be easy. But beneficial in the long run.

NeilsB, the money would come from consumers. You want to buy a car, you’ll by a green car. You want to own a home, you’ll install the solar, wind, hydro generators. Just part of the cost of doing business. In 10 years, nobody would even notice it.

mbush40, we would never have left England if everyone thought like you do. Ok, we shoot for 10 years and it takes 15. That's still better than inaction!

eyesinthedrk, I also have a problem with outlawing gas cars. This requires a delicate balance between national security and freedom. Maybe, rather than outlawing gas cars, we could place a steadily increasing tax on them to subsidize green cars. Maybe 10% per year, so in 10 years there would be a 100% tax on gas cars. The revenue could be used to further scientific study of renewable energy resources. Those who truly want a gas car could still purchase one.

Answer 1

not a bad idea, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, so its not like we are going to run out, but there is a larger picture, we make far more things from oil than just fuel, the price of all these petroleum based products would sky rocket to offset the loss of the American market,

as for the response to terrorism we already have that and half the country still fights against us,

but the biggest problem is freedom and capitalism, and being a capitalist i am opposed to mandating hydrogen cars, i am all for putting them out into our market and letting the consumers decided but that's our job not the governments

edit: i don't like that idea either no subsidies, subsidies are just a fancy word for business welfare, and no price gouging taxes, if its a good idea people will buy them and they can do the r&d off of profits not taxes, half the reason gas is so expensive right now is for this verry reason take all the taxes out of the gas except for the regular 8.5% sales tax and no one would be complaining about how much gas costs,

Answer 2

I agree, mostly. Though I think the Arabs are still dangerous to us - especially if you consider the wealth they already have - take away the source of that wealth and how would they react?

What we really need is a John F. Kennedyesque national challenge on energy independence - leveraging the collective wealth of the Federal Government to achieve it. If Eisenhower can create the greatest roadway system in history, and Roosevelt can overcome economic depression and war, and if Reagan can defeat totalitarian Communism and if Kennedy could help bring a man to the moon - surely our next president could confidently say "we will be energy independent in 8 years". The technology exists, but the will and money has to follow.

Answer 3

That would cost an ungodly amount of money!!

great idea but it would take the cooperation of every citizen, legal and illegal!! wish it were probable!

with that logic I could end crime with this proposal:

Everybody stop breaking the law!

DONE!!! I should win something!!


EDIT:

I am not saying that we can't clean up our environment because we'll go broke, I am saying that we can't do it because there are far too many people in this country that don't give a rats about the quality of life for future generations! And requiring homes to do this or do that won't fly!! 2 reasons,
1. too much govt. control (cons will never go for it)
2. too many law breakers!!


OH and the money will come from consumers??? so welfare checks will now be used to by environmentally friendly cars? news flash, not every person can afford to buy a brand new car!! hell, my parents are in their mid fifties and they have never owned a new car!! so i just turned 16, I have $1000 to buy a new car... what do I do if I can't find a green car for $1000?


Just being realistic!!!

Answer 4

AGREED! They also now have electric cars that have individual motors on each wheel versus one under the hood. The result is 200+ horse power AND the ability to drive approx 350 miles per charge.

I wish a NASA style institute would focus on this if the corporations refuse to. I'd like to see the corporations do it but they do not seem to care.

Answer 5

you're right, it seems everything has a political slant and instead of doing things in a logical way, everyone is making a huge political divide over it....why don't we be conservative and try to protect ourselves...we don't have to change things overnight, but the government should be encouraging companies and people with a lot more rewards and begin a real plan to protect the US

Answer 6

Where will the money for your ideas come from?

Interesting that you brought up "the energy executives of th '70's".FYI,automobiles are the #1 source of CO2 (the green house gas).Know why? It's because of the government mandated catalytic converters.
If millions of Americans are just getting by,how can it be fair to put the cost of your "Ideas" on their shoulders.And,how do you justify taxing those who can afford it to help those who can't.
Could it be that you consider yourself to be an "enlightened"one;and no matter what the hardships are,your ideas MUST be implemented?

Answer 7

I like it I like it alot, one thing you forgot though. When Middle Eastern Oil runs dry and the price surges because China and India need Oil we can start drilling in ANWR and show the world how we are richer then them too

Answer 8

That is a great plan. I only wish our government would get behind changes like those.

Answer 9

Well, where would you get all this hydrogen?

How would you pay for all of this?

What are your cost estimates to do this? Where is the source of these funds?

What do you do with the people in industries that you implicitly are seeking to destroy?

Answer 10

Not practical sorry. However drilling in ANWR is cheaper, and more practical.