Column

Oil independence is just out of reach

By JAMES PETTICAN
Published July 10, 2007

Lined up four abreast, waiting for a traffic light to change, I noticed that the other three lanes held SUVs, engines sounding impatient to be on their way. Somehow, our Sensible Sedan seemed a bit overwhelmed by the presence of these monarchs of the asphalt, straining to resume their gas-guzzling ways after having had to pause in mid guzzle.

"Sport utility vehicle" is their formal name, although a case can be made that they are neither. Their bulk precludes a sporty look and one wonders about the "utility" of a vehicle so prone to rollovers. Fortunately, electronic stability controls are now available to stop most rollovers, albeit at a premium price.

SUVs are just another version of our country's continuing romance with four-wheeled power, not to mention our infatuation with thunderously loud two-wheeled power.

Add to the mix our perilous and dangerous dependence on foreign oil that makes us dance to the tune of some of the most repressive regimes on the planet and act as though we are enjoying it.

Politicians, with their fingers forever on the public pulse, have suggested every remedy except the one that would really work. They want us to use ethanol more, even though research proves that it costs more to produce than it saves and would seriously disrupt world agricultural markets.

They also want us to let the oil barons pillage the pristine lands in the high Arctic and the scenic coastal areas that are the pride and joy of our Sunshine State.

Experts, who should and do know, have already told us of one sure way to cut our fuel consumption in half.

Politicians, of course, are aware of this but none is daring enough to propose it, as it seems to them to be political hara-kiri. Maybe it would be, but we need one daring pol to enter that territory and find out.

The sure way to halve our oil consumption, we are told, is to "hold our horses," meaning to restrict our horsepower.

Carmakers, as usual undeterred by reality, continue to emphasize the horsepower of their vehicles, with most giving short shrift to miles per gallon. One commercial the other day bragged about highway mpg of 28. Did I miss something there?

The all-purpose solution would go something like this: Except for folks who live on high mountaintops and regularly haul rocks around, limit cars and small trucks to 125 horses and four or fewer cylinders. They would take us shopping and on fuel-efficient vacation trips without any trouble.

Imagine, however, the howl that would go up everywhere. Republicans and Libertarians would beat their breasts about overreaching government and macho types would suddenly be cut off from their manliness. It could be suggested to the latter, however, that real macho-ness is more likely to be found in the Ironman competitions than in overweight couch potatoes pressing extra hard on gas pedals.

Yes, the dream of oil independence is out there, but unless some global catastrophe forces it on us, it will probably remain elusive.

People like New York Times columnist Tom Friedman think that $5 per gallon gas would do the trick and maybe, someday, it will. For now though, keep your eyes on the prize, but don't expect to reach it soon.

Retired journalist James Pettican lives in Palm Harbor.

[Last modified July 10, 2007, 03:19:49]