Energy Independence Day
America currently produces enough gasoline and biofuel domestically to meet U.S. demand for 149 days of the year — equivalent to January 1 through May 29. It takes imported oil to make up the difference during the other 216 days on the calendar.
But the country could substantially alter that balance in 2009 by expanding domestic ethanol production and encouraging such simple conservation measures as tuning up vehicles and changing driving habits, a coalition of industry groups said today.
In fact, the coalition said America could effectively supply its own transportation fuel needs for 186 days in 2009 — equivalent to January 1 through July 4 — meaning that imports would be needed for less than half the year.
“We are calling for July 4th to be celebrated as Energy Independence Day,” said the coalition.
See the links below for more details.
Sources:
Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. “July 4th Energy Independence Day Calls for Unity in Search for Solutions.” July 1, 2008.
Ethanol Promotion and Information Council. “Energy Independence: A New Perspective on America’s Fuel Challenge.” July 1, 2008.
