Energy Independence | American Energy Independence

Following the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the idea of energy independence captured the imagination of the American people. Then during the 1980's, the accumulative effect of increased automobile fuel efficiency combined with increased global oil production created a surplus of oil on the world market. As a result, the price of oil dropped back below pre-1973 levels and America's enthusiasm for energy independence faded into memory. Now, more than thirty years after the oil embargo, reawakened by the terrorist attack on 9/11 and war in the Middle East, the idea of American energy independence has returned with a vengeance, becoming a powerful force shaping the political views of a new generation of Americans.

The 1973 Arab oil embargo interrupted the flow of oil causing severe gasoline shortages and long lines at gas stations. The embargo exposed America's growing oil dependence and gave the American people their first warning of the price they would pay for continued dependence on imported oil. The 1979 Iranian revolution interrupted the flow of oil again — this was the second warning, signaling the urgent need for American Energy Independence. The 1991 Persian Gulf War was a military intervention to stop one dictator from taking control of Middle East oil — this was the third and most severe warning. Failure to make energy independence the nation’s highest priority after the Gulf War demonstrated that the United States did not have the political will to free itself from dependence on foreign oil.

On September 12, 2001 the United States awakened from a nightmare, finding itself standing at a crossroad, facing a choice between two very different futures. One choice would lead the country to increased dependence on imported oil and a future dominated by terrorism and war. The other choice would lead to American energy independence and a world economy that is no longer desperate for oil.

On March 20, 2003 the United States chose a direction that led to increased dependence on imported oil, the death of over 4,000 U.S. soldiers and a huge national debt.

March 20, 2003 the price of oil was $26 per barrel. Five years later, March 20, 2008 the price of oil had risen to $100 per barrel. Then, during July of 2008 the price of oil hit $147 per barrel, with a weekly average of $130.

From September 2007 through October 2008, the world economy was rocked by the unprecedented transfer of one trillion dollars from European, Asian and American economies into Middle East national treasuries in exchange for oil. It was the straw that broke the back of the international financial system, exposing a global portfolio of toxic assets that had been growing for many years, hidden within layers of esoteric financial products called derivatives—over 500 trillion dollars of dubious paper wealth threatening to implode the global banking system.

The United States is a world leader. The nations of the world look to the United States for leadership. American Energy Independence is about world leadership.

A few economists and advocates of global free trade have voiced a narrow view of energy independence, claiming that it will mean a retreat from global economic interdependence, a direction that would disrupt the global free market and lead America toward economic and political isolation. Their view is not true.

The United States does not need zero foreign oil imports to be energy independent. There is no reason to end oil imports from Canada and Mexico. Energy independence is not about protectionism.

Energy independence does not mean closed borders or economic isolation. Energy independence will be achieved by producing abundant and affordable alternative energy through advanced technology that will enable all countries to do the same. American Energy Independence will lead to global energy independence.

Today, the world consumes over 85 million barrels of oil every day (over 30 billion barrels per year). The USA alone consumes over 20 million barrels per day (over 7 billion barrels per year). At $70 per barrel, global petroleum revenue exceeds two trillion dollars per year. Development of alternative fuels on a scale large enough to free the global economy from dependence on oil as the world's primary source of energy will create a seismic shift within the economic foundation of the world.

“Energy is the single most important problem facing humanity today — not just the U.S., but also worldwide.”
— Nobel Laureate Dr. Richard Smalley - Our Energy Challenge

Energy Independence is a civilization changing idea, like freedom, one that should be thought of much like we think of our national independence—our liberty, which is both an ideal and a physical reality. Energy Independence can and should be pursued with the same patriotic spirit that fought for, won and sustains American democracy and freedom.

Democracy and freedom are protected and strengthened when democratic nations join together in areas of mutual self-interest, such as defense and trade.

The United States has successfully created international relationships without compromising the freedom of American citizens. For example, the USA has interdependent relationships with other countries, both economically and militarily — however, if America’s economic or military “interdependence” becomes “dependence” to the point of undermining our national independence or economic security, there will be a public outcry.. much like we see today regarding America's oil dependence.

From an economic point of view, Energy Independence means energy security (supply and price stability); an objective that can be achieved through the development of alternative transportation fuels and multi-fuel vehicles (including electric), which would give consumers an opportunity to choose a non-petroleum fuel at the pump.

Today, over 80 percent of world petroleum reserves are state-owned — controlled by countries that have the power to manipulate supply and price with impunity — this fact goes directly to the heart of energy security.

The phrase “Energy Independence” is a slogan embodying an idea that resonates with the character of America—it is a call for return to economic balance and protection from vulnerability created by over-dependence on petroleum to fuel our cars, trucks and airplanes—it is a public outcry voiced by citizens demanding government leadership in energy production, distribution, security and fuel choice.

Energy Independence means energy abundance and energy self-sufficiency derived from a variety of domestic energy resources. The phrase Energy Independence is a powerful national slogan—originally conceived and defined in the context of the 1973 Arab oil embargo, today Energy Independence is the vision of America's energy future and the title of America's new energy policy.

U.S. Transportation fuel consumption accounts for over 70 percent of total U.S. oil consumption, and more than 65 percent of that amount is for personal vehicles. American drivers consume about nine million barrels of gasoline per day for personal transportation—378 million gallons every day—about 45 percent of total U.S. oil consumption. U.S. Energy Information Administration

The United States consumes 20 million barrels of oil products every day.
— 14 million barrels per day consumed for transportation fuel.
— 9 million barrels of the transportation fuel is gasoline.

The United States imports 6 million barrels of crude oil per day from OPEC nations.

Replacing gasoline with American made alcohol fuels would completely eliminate dependence on OPEC oil—and set an example for the world to follow.

The world needs a source of alternative transportation fuel that can replace gasoline, now, not 30 years from now. AmericanEnergyIndependence.com has published The Plan for American Energy Independence describing in detail how America, and the world, can replace gasoline with non-petroleum alcohol fuels (including bio-alcohol and synthetic alcohol: ethanol and methanol). The resources and technology exist today—all that is needed is political leadership and the determined will of the people.

Journey to Energy Independence