America: Driving to Energy Independence?

America drives! With an average of 2.28 vehicles per U.S. household, and the average American commuting 33 miles per day to work, we are definitely a country that drives. The majority of U.S. cars on the road are fueled by oil. A large percentage of U.S. Oil is currently purchased from foreign countries. It is safe to say we are a country that drives dependent on other countries providing the oil to fuel our vehicles. With war raging in the Middle East, the price of oil constantly climbing and Americans still driving there is heated debate over what can be done to eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. This week the Institute for Local Self Reliance released a report entitled “Driving Our Way to Energy Independence” specifically covering The Energy Independence and Security Act signed by Congress in December 2007.

The effort by Congress in 2007 attempts to transform our current transportation system by mandating higher vehicle efficiency, an increase in production of biofuels, and efforts in renewable electricity. More pie in the sky rhetoric? Well I believe that depends on us, the people, the citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs and activists in our country. American history teaches us about a people who sacrificed their lives settling in a new land, willing to give up convenience for their future. No, we don’t have to settle in a new land. I doubt we will have to give up too much convenience. The technology is available and we are able to transform our current dependence on oil to renewable energy sources.

Why is independence from foreign oil a valid goal? I believe independence in any area is a favorable goal. When a person or entity has independence they have the power to make choices, to contribute more to their community. Self-sufficiency provides security and opportunity for growth. For our nation, independence on many fronts does not mean we do not want to contribute to the global community. It means we are able to be healthy contributors to that community. In our case, as Americans, if we choose to pursue a goal of Energy Independence we can see positive change in our economy, national security and our environment. All of which will allow us to participate in our global community in a more productive way.

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