Comments

Wow, these comments reflect a growing sentiment that government is the answer rather than the problem. They seem to go against almost everything I've read on how to motivate people ... fear is not a good motivator.

Posted by Marvin at June 4, 2010 10:09 AM

I don't know what the position is in America but how about an additional purchase tax on cars that's graduated so it's higher for i) vehicles with large engines; ii) vehicles with poor fuel consumption; and iii) vehicles with high CO2 emissions.

Posted by Mark JF at June 4, 2010 10:13 AM

I remember research a few years ago around Exeter, Devon telling us around 80% of vehicles have 1 occupant only on ‘to work’ journeys. That’s crazy if we REALLY are short of fuel. Surely not beyond the wit of woman (‘cos we men are clearly not capable of it) to work out a system of sharing the load!

Governments are criticised when they ‘tell us what to do' BUT where is the evidence in our non-regulated economy that we are anything more than individually selfish on this one? I plead guilty too by the way.

Posted by Trevor Gay at June 4, 2010 11:35 AM

"Sacrifice" does not equal "Penalty" as you have posited in many of the steps above. Wow! Leadership demonstrates by example the benefits of many of these items. Some of the energy saving ideas are the death of rural American small-business, small-farmer, small-producer economy.

There used to be a "bonus" for buying gas! (remember Mobil drinking glasses, etc.?) Where's the "bonus" (saving money & environment, sure, but "in the hand" now?) for NOT consuming? Congratulatory coupons in your gas card bill for reducing consumption, placed by smart businesses to draw you their (local) way?

Seems like someone could get all "entrepreneurial" on us and be an outstanding leader, rather than "one size fits all" sackcloth that enriches bureaucracies more than it saves energy.

Think about it. Apply your best "have you's" to it.

Posted by Randy Bosch at June 4, 2010 12:39 PM

"Summer Jobs Service Corps, to be implemented immediately. 10K kids to Gulf of Mexico to fend off the spill. Pay for with temporary 25-cent gas tax or cigarette tax. (Kids Krusade is Kool.)'

Show us you an an emperor with clothes. Make this happen.

Posted by zorro at June 4, 2010 5:05 PM

"Return to '73. 55mph speed limit implemented within 60 days or less, save thousands of lives, huge amount of gas. EVERYBODY participates/sacrifices, easy-ish to do."

Another challenge, dear emperor. Show us where your clothes are.
Probably not easy. Truckers lose money when they drive 55.

Posted by zorro at June 4, 2010 5:55 PM

10. (or is it 7.?) Solar hot water heaters, where feasible.
11. (or is it 9.?) Rain-water tanks, where feasible.
But don't expect any bill reduction from the utility companies!

Posted by Mike L. at June 4, 2010 6:56 PM

@zorro - I have no idea what your "Emperor's clothes" remark referes to, but your comment that trucks lose money at 55 is unfounded in fact (read: you're a moron). In fact, truck fuel comsumption goes up significantly once the truck goes over 55 MPH, while the net time to destination doesn't vary much at all. I have 30+ years in the transportation business, and can affirm that trucks driving over 55 are blowing money out the stack. One of my carriers has implimented a strict set of driving policies and procedures and is now seeing MPG's in the 9.5 range - an incredible savings to him. and yet he still delivers my products on time, and his drivers still make a living.

I don't think you have a clue what you are talking about.

Posted by Doc at June 5, 2010 11:55 AM

Its not the fuel, its the time it takes to make a delivery.
The slower the drive, the less deliveries they make and the less money they make.
The reason why many interstates have 70 mph outside of cites is the trucking industry. At least thats who pushed it in Georgia.

Emperor with no clothes? Its a kids story reference.

Posted by zorro at June 5, 2010 12:37 PM

BTW Doc, if there turns out to be that there is no political battle in getting the speed limit lowered, it should be easier for Tom to make happen.

He should be excited to apply all his theories/innovations having to do with human interaction.

Posted by zorro at June 5, 2010 2:16 PM

Good suggestions, Tom, but perhaps not the best or most complete list. Yes, let's penalize gas hog vehicles and raise the gasoline tax.

Regarding buildings, though, changing the thermostat setpoints can save energy, but retrofitting the buildings to improve the thermal envelope and the HVAC design would save a lot more.

By the way, if you want to save energy by changing the setpoints, you're correct that the winter setting should be adjusted more than the summer setpoint. Overall, US homes use 4 times more energy for heat than for cooling.

Finally, the government is working on legislation right now to retrofit homes. Called Home Star, it would provide homeowners up to $11,000 to make their homes more energy efficient. It's a 2 year program that would cover 50% of the costs and has already passed in the House. The Senate, I hope, will pass their version soon.

Posted by Allison A. Bailes III, PhD at June 7, 2010 8:00 AM

"Extend Bush tax cuts, but balance half of lost tax $$ by raising gas tax $1.00 or some such per gallon."

where to buy real viagra without prescription Oh yay, let's "balance" the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy with a regressive tax that will hit the lowest earners the hardest. That'll work!

Posted by Mary Malmros at June 7, 2010 1:16 PM

Tom,

Wow. What great ideas.

Now, I know you'd like government to enforce this. But, sometimes, government doesn't act soon enough. So, may I add this suggestion...

Tom, you're a thought leader. I think you should take a practical lead. And I'd like to help. Let's do this...

You can send me the money you save by driving 55 (we'll rely on the honor system here). Send me $1/gallon of gas that you buy (calculating your % when you're flying would be a little complicated, so just send me $.10/mile). I'm assuming you don't drive a gas guzzler so I will not expect any money for that - so, to make up for it please send me $ anytime you drive during peak commute times (say $.10/minute 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM). I'll let you decide how you're going to contribute for the other categories.

Now, don't think I'm suggesting this to enrich myself. I'll take the $ and build a website that will take data from your home thermostat - so we can broadcast your settings to the world (maybe combining the thermostat temperature with the outside temperature so we can see when you're really suffering). And, we'll encourage other thought leaders to do the same. Can you imagine? A website where you, the Gores (can the environment really handle two separate residences?), and other like minded individuals broadcast your green stats. It will soar to the top of the Google charts!

Next, I'll create some sort of "Tom cam" to watch your progress while you're volunteering and cleaning the Gulf shores (I can't imaging that you'd want young people to get all the fun).

How 'bout it Tom? Get in front and make it a parade.

Tom, do you think you could grow into a Big Brother sort of role? If no, who might you suggest?

Really, you want the state doing all this?

Posted by V at June 8, 2010 3:03 PM

Thank you, Jimmy Carter.

Posted by Retro at June 9, 2010 12:34 PM

See how easy these changes would be?

Posted by zorro at June 9, 2010 1:54 PM