Gas Crunch: Putting Us On Path To The Future.

This posting has done wonders for my optimism for the future! I don't want to sound arrogant, cocky or dismissive, but across Europe there has been a bit of concern about Global Warming for about 20 years. During that time, and particularly in the last couple of years, many Europeans have been aghast at the US. Our fuel prices have always been much higher than the US (mostly due to government taxes), so we have been shocked by the large capacity and low fuel consumption of many American cars, I recall the outcry when Arnie Schwarzenegger bought what appeared to be a small tank, for doing the shopping! These experiences led to some anti-Americanism within Europe, with people regarding the US public as major contaminators of the planet. Some of this was purely because we couldn't afford petrol-guzzling cars, some was genuine planetary concern. However, despite this posturing, all that really changed within the European car Market was engine capacity, improved fuel economy, unleaded petrol, and catalytic converters. There was a lot of talk about electric cars, bio-fuels and gas driven vehicles, but no available models, or places to re-charge/fuel up. Hopefully, the change in attitudes coming from the citizens of America, will finally mean that these alternatives will become available across Europe, too. This may finally give the industry the incentive to take positive action, and not just talk about it as potentially feasible in the future! I do believe that a move away from traditional oil will be of benefit to the planet. How big a benefit can only be approximated, but any step in the right direction is a bonus. With regard to the economic futures of countries. I don't feel this is something that the US need fear. Although, your country is a major oil-producer, it also has the facilities to be a leader in this new field. Rapeseed is seen as a potential bio-fuel, and the US agriculture quarter has the capacity to grow this crop on mass, and without sacrificing food production. The US centres for industry and chemicals can change production, maintaining output, productivity and jobs. This could even be the re-invigorating factor that the US car producers need. If they act quickly, and get ahead of the market, I believe this would curry favour with the Chinese and Asian markets, which are flourishing. I congratulate the US, as what you have said sounds like a real and positive movement, and I congratulate the American public, for driving this greener approach forward. Hopefully, now Europe will take proper action, instead of blaming others. All the best, and thank you.

If everyone would stop Driving them Big Giant SUV'S we would all be better off But ya know the Neighbor buys one the other Guy has to Buy a Bigger one and so on. But yes americans are Spoiled with gas at $3 Dollars a gallon people are still Buying like its nothing. I just bought a scooter and love it.But where I live is in the Middle of nowhere so sometimes I need a Car to go anywhere. And yes everyone is getting so fat and lazy anymore,kids dont play outside. Its just crazy anymore. People need to take a look around at the Enviroment a little more. And go outside an enjoy it before its gone. I went with Propane because I could not Afford the Oil anymore now I'am getting ready to dump that also and Just burn wood or something else. Have a Great Day/Nigh.