By Peter Forman
Published: October 10, 2008
New York--
1) Update to "What is OPEC? Why is it a "cartel?" And who really cares?"
Now that the world's economies are reeling and the price of oil is falling, OPEC has convened an emergency meeting for Nov. 18, 2008 to consider slashing oil production. The global oil industry, consolidated in the hands of a few non-democratic, repressive, and regressive regimes, continues to manipulate the supply and demand curve and extract unreasonable margins by restricting production.
2) Update to "Front Row Seat to the End of an Empire"
Recently we discussed steps America must take to avoid a permanent decline of its "empire". Amidst the many items added to the $700 billion financial aid package were some items that were favorable to the goal of energy independence. While we are not pleased with the concept of financial aid bills being loaded with extraneous unrelated items, we are pleased to see tax credits of $2500-$7500 for those purchasing electric plug-in hybrid vehicles. [1] Additionally, there are now tax incentives for bio-fuel production, alternative energy re-fueling stations, and many other incentives for the use of alternative energy. MoveBeyondOil.org will cover these in more detail in a News Analysis coming shortly.
3) Update to "Economic Environmentalism: Recycling the Dollar"
We are glad to report that both presidential candidates seem to be touting the economic benefits of the domestic production of energy, including alternative energies, which will lead to job growth and derivative economic activity. Now all we have to hope is that one of them actually follows through.
4) Update to analyses covering Russia’s intentions as an oil and gas monopolizer
Russian Billionaire Aleksandr Lebedev supports former President Mikhail Gorbochev in a new political party, declaring that Russia has no real economy. He stated, "What are we producing?". His answer to his own question was, "Oil and gas.” [2]
Russia in a continuation of its attempt to extend is domination of Europes oil and gas supplies, is reportedly interfering in Ukraine's internal politics. It has held discussions with the candidate opposed to current pro-Western President and has discussed energy "cooperation." [3] Since then Ukraine's president disbanded Parliament (yesterday) and is currently trailing in polls for the snap-election to be held. At risk is Ukraine’s future in NATO, its democracy, and the oil and gas lines which run through that country.
5) Update to "In the Future Cars Will Run on Coal and Why It's Cleaner than Oil"
Another energy-conscious addition to the recent Rescue Plan was $1.5 billion dollars in new tax credits for the creation of advanced coal electricity projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) and technology, thus ensuring that coal will increasingly be a cleaner alternative to oil. While we at MoveBeyondOil.org are skeptical of the viability of clean coal production, we are glad to see further investment in this area. If it were to be successful, it would be an enormous "win" for our coal-rich country.
6) Update to "Israel Declares War-- on Oil"--General Motors
GM, the manufacturer of the soon-to-come, all electric Chevy Volt is rumored to be considering bankruptcy protection. While currently denying those rumors, analysts think it is increasingly likely. It is unclear how this might affect the expected launch of the Volt in 2010.[4]
The world turns against American interests.
It is time for us to turn against oil.
It is time for us to move beyond oil.
MoveBeyondOil.org
The bi-partisan source for energy independence information and solutions.
References
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[1] The Energy and Improvement Act of 2008. http://www.finance.senate.gov/sitepages/leg/LEG%202008/091708%20Staff%20Summary%20of%20the%20Energy%20Improvement%20and%20Extension%20Act.pdf
[2] Russian billionaire gets away with jabs against Putin. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008210127_oligarch28.html?syndication=rss
[3] Ukraine will hold snap elections. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/10/europe/10ukraine.php
[4] GM says it’s not headed for bankruptcy. http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Economy/story?id=6002604
MoveBeyondOil.org
The bi-partisan, not-for-profit source for energy independence information and solutions.
