Foreign oil or newer technologies?

Question

With 70% of our oil now coming from foreign countries and our $ with it, do you think the US government should help with funding for newer technologies for autos and home heating etc? I was in 10 cities in Germany and most of the time on a bus. We saw wind farms and solar panels on houses everywhere. I asked our tour guide how this was possible? She said the German government is a leader in green investment. They give citizens a tax rebate if you put solar panels on your house. Many smart cars and bikes is an understatement. It really put us to shame and made us look like a fat spoiled country.

Answer 1

We could be off foreign oil within a couple years with technology already available (without drilling in ANWR) while creating millions of US jobs and saving billions of dollars, but someone is getting rich off keeping things the way they are now.   With over a trillion $ spent in Iraq so far and $700 billion going out for oil imports each year the government could actually help the country out by supporting American energy companies who invest and make lives better at home.

Answer 2

It is always best for every country to be self sufficient. Minimize imports. Right now, all oil importing countries , the way I see it, are all hostages of OPEC.

Answer 3

In CA our state government has passed laws that help these technolgies and is putting it's money where it's mouth is. We have tougher emission standards for our automobiles than most if not all other states. We have great rebates to offset the costs of solar on homes and businesses.

The sad part is we have to ask for permission from the federal government to have higher standards. If our citizens are willing to support it with our taxes I think we should be able to require lower emissions and higher fuel efficiency.

The good thing is, many new technologies begin here and are able to grow and develop that is good for our economy. When we are able to make a technology work it encourages others to adopt it. Many of our city buses and garbage trucks run on natural gas. This same technology is now being adopted in many other states.

We are playing catch up to the rest of the world, but we are going in the right direction. It will take getting the right people in office to make real change.

Answer 4

Under the new administration you will see a large emphasis on new technologies and renewable energy.  Stay tuned.