In Minnesota and Michigan and the U.S. of A., it's all over the map. But maybe a sensible energy policy will come out the other end of the debate.
"We can all pitch in by using -- by being better conservers of energy," Bush said. "People just need to recognize that these storms have caused disruption and that if they're able to maybe not drive on a trip that's not essential, that would be helpful.
"The federal government can help, and I've directed the federal agencies nationwide, and here are some ways we can help. We can curtail nonessential travel. If it makes sense for the citizen out there to curtail nonessential travel, it darned sure makes sense for federal employees."
http://www.startribune.com/stories/561/5638639.html
But saving on energy consumption is generally about as popular with Americans as putting aside money; President Ronald Reagan, a onetime General Electric spokesman, famously equated energy conservation with "freezing in the dark."
http://www.harvardmagazine.com/on-line/010451.html
The price of natural gas in Michigan will jump by nearly 50% this winter, as hurricane-damaged facilities in the gulf coast region struggle to get back to full strength.
http://www.freep.com/money/business/natgas28e_20050928.htm
Let's face it -- America's cheap gasoline days are over.
http://www.detnews.com/2005/editorial/0509/28/A15-329938.htm
Slower speeds save fuel
Page A1 of the Sept. 27 Star Tribune: Minnesota raises speed limit to 60 on rural highways. Page A6: President Bush says we should drive less to save gas.
These stories just don't jibe. According to the Federal Trade Commission website (www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/autos/gasave.htm): "The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph), rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent. Driving at 75 mph, rather than 65 mph, increases fuel consumption by another 25 percent."
President Bush should stop paying lip service to the notion of sacrifice and reimpose the 55 mph limit. Saving gas: It's the conservative thing to do.
Bruce Kvam, Minnetonka.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/563/5638640.html
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is putting his choice of an official vehicle where his mouth is. The governor, who has emerged as one of the nation's most aggressive salesmen for ethanol fuels, revealed Tuesday that he is getting a Chevrolet Suburban that will be powered by E85, gasoline with 85 percent ethanol content. Minnesota, rich in corn and soybeans, is one of the nation's biggest ethanol producers, and Pawlenty has become one of its biggest national advocates, serving as chairman of the Governors Ethanol Coalition.
http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5638318.html
Posted by Dave at September 28, 2005 08:27 AM