May 30, 2005|By Diane MacEachern
AFTER DISASTER struck on 9/11, President Bush exhorted Americans to go shopping.
The connection between fighting terrorists and, say, buying a new pair of shoes was never really all that clear to me. I guess the president figured it was important to make us feel as if we were part of the solution to this terrible new problem confronting our country. I'm not sure how many new pairs of shoes Mr. Bush bought, but I bought a couple, including some running shoes (I thought they might come in handy, under the circumstances).
When Mr. Bush made his prime-time speech about the energy crisis last month, I watched with pen and paper in hand. I thought he'd give me another shopping list, or at least a solid set of energy-saving instructions that would keep me busy while he and his Cabinet developed the national energy policy we need.
Instead, he promoted solutions that won't resolve our energy crisis. He offered federal risk insurance to companies that build nuclear power plants, tacitly acknowledging that this industry is so fraught with peril it can't resume on its own a controversial construction program it halted in 1973.
Mr. Bush renewed his call to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, even though the U.S. Geological Survey has projected that there could be as little as six months' worth of oil there - if there is any oil at all. Never mind that it will take at least 10 years to get that petroleum out of the ground and into the pump.
Mr. Bush proposed increasing oil refinery capacity at the expense of relaxing the environmental regulations that protect local communities from the pollution associated with this type of industrial activity.
He also proposed helping "energy consumers overseas like China and India ... use energy more efficiently and reduce global demand of fossil fuels." Huh? What about promoting energy efficiency here at home?
Given the record high gas prices Americans have encountered this holiday weekend, now is the time for Mr. Bush to tell us to go shopping - shopping for items that will help Americans save real dollars every time they go to the pump.
He could start by recommending that everyone who drives a car or truck buy a tire pressure gauge. Gas mileage improves by about 3.3 percent for drivers who use the gauge regularly to ensure that their tires are inflated to the pressure recommended in their owner's vehicle manual.
At the same time, the president could suggest that Americans who need new tires choose those that are as fuel-efficient as the ones that were on the vehicle originally. This simple purchase would start saving consumers energy immediately, with a total projected savings of 5.4 billion barrels of oil over 50 years.
Mr. Bush could also encourage Americans to buy the right octane gas. High-octane fuel sells for up to 20 cents a gallon more than regular unleaded. But many motorists don't need premium. In fact, less than 10 percent of all cars sport the high-compression engines that require more-expensive fuel. Even so, up to 30 percent of Americans fill up with high octane.
The president also could recommend that consumers looking for a new car buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that will meet their family's transportation needs. Hybrid sedans that get over 50 mpg have proved to be wildly popular. Still, they make up less than 1 percent of the total vehicles being sold.
Mr. Bush could set a personal energy saving example many Americans would probably be happy to follow. He could put aside his chainsaw at his Texas ranch in favor of a wrench and any other tools he needs to give the presidential limo a tune-up. He'd see gas mileage improve by an average of 4.1 percent. Replacing clogged air filters would improve the car's gas mileage an additional 10 percent.
Further, the commander in chief should command his motorcade to travel the speed limit. According to the U.S. Energy Department, every 5 mph you drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional 15 cents for gas. Driving the speed limit saves money.
You can ease the pain if you do a little shopping and act presidential - even if the president is the last to catch on.
Diane MacEachern is writing a book to help consumers use less gasoline. She lives in Takoma Park.
Columnist Ellen Goodman is on vacation.
