Why Can't We Make Alternative Fuel A National Priority? (USA)?

Question

Like the A-Bomb and putting a man on the moon. If we could switch to hydrogen fuel cells then the arabs would be riding camels again!

Answer 1

We could.

And there is a CHEAP and EASY way to start. Pass a bill requiring all gasoline powered cars sold in the U.S. to be flex fuel cars, able to burn gasoline OR ethanol OR methanol. The cost to do so is little or nothing. For example, the Chevy Impala has a flex fuel engine option that costs $0 (that's right, it is FREE! See the first source. Why don't all Impala buyers choose it? Why isn't it just standard equipment?). Such a bill was before congress but was killed by lobbyists from Japanese car makes because U.S. car makers are better at making flex fuel cars and the Japanese didn't want to be forced to compete with that.

If every car on the road in the U.S. were flex fuel, that would be a GIANT market for alternative fuels that lots of companies would rush to grab. Private money would flow like water into new alternative fuel production and research, at no  expense to the tax payer.

Listen to the 90 minute audio program in the 3rd source. Don't be put off by the name "Space Show". That episode talks mostly about alternative fuel. All space cadets are alternative energy fans too, because there is no oil in space.

Answer 2

If everyone buys this car that uses only compressed air we could make oil obsolete in America.

Answer 3

Because the oil industry contributes many millions to campaigns and and their lobbyists spend all their time influencing "our" legislators. It's partly our fault as well, there are small cars to buy but we keep going out and buying the 18 foot long, 15 MPG,

egomobiles, and unfortunately that's why we need legislation to make a significant change.

Answer 4

An excellent idea!!! From what I see the arabs are really proud of their oil wealth!!! They drive like crazy nuts!!!

This should give them a BLOW!!

Answer 5

The Bush admin. has invested billions in alt. fuel......

Answer 6

Why can't you Americans make smaller engines? Better fuel economy would have made the available oil last years longer than it has. I can't understand this fetish for 5 or 7 litre engines.

Answer 7

Great point!  I agree 100 percent.  However, if we did that we'd have no money to fund the war in the Middle East and all the other pet pork projects that our representatives come up with.  Like a museum for the donkey, etc., the government is corrupt in so many ways that people like you and I can only begin to imagine.  I always said if we can put a many on the moon, why can't they come up with hair remover that works for women?  Oh, well, I guess we'll be paying five bucks a gallon by this time next year.

Answer 8

Idiocy. Bush doesn't even acknowledge the possibility of alternative fuel.