Urbanization and a change in attitude regarding fuel prices could help wean us off this unpredictable resource.

In the summer of 2008, gas prices in the United States hit a record high of $4.11 per gallon. Gas had never broken the $4 barrier before, and it seemed like they could just go right on climbing. In response, we grumbled. We moaned. We made bad jokes about paying with our limbs and our first-born children. Then, we started ditching gas-guzzling vehicles like Hummers and oversized SUVs. We carpooled, combined our errands and found other ways to drive less. A large number of Americans across the political spectrum began supporting renewable energy initiatives and new technologies that could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Then prices crept back down again, and we got complacent. While we’re still not driving quite as much as we used to – a factor that probably has more to do with the economy than learning any kind of lesson – most people aren’t exactly lining up to buy the Chevy Volt.

Now, as gas prices threaten to reach new heights, our response is not to push harder than ever for greener solutions. Aside from a drive to use rising fuel prices as political fodder to damage President Obama’s chances of re-election, the nation’s reaction has been a collective shrug of the shoulders. A recent study found that Americans are less reactive to gas prices today than we were four years ago, and that it may take breaking the psychological barrier of $5 per gallon to prompt us into any kind of action.

And once that happens, the rallying cries will probably be more along the lines of “Drill Here, Drill Now” rather than “Go Hybrid.” Because the fact of the matter is, the vast majority of us perceive cheap fuel as a basic right.

There’s a good reason for that. America is the land of personal automobiles. This sprawling nation, with its vast network of highways, is nearly impossible to navigate without a car unless you live in a big city with plentiful public transit options. Just try to get through daily life in a suburb, exurb or rural area without owning a vehicle. Some people manage, riding bicycles, catching rides with others and dealing with inefficient and unreliable bus services. But for most people, it’s just not a viable option. Therefore, we have a certain expectation: if we’re to be productive members of society, we have to be able to get around without taking out a second mortgage just for gas.

It’s easy to find ourselves glaring at the digits displayed on the gas pump. None of us enjoys feeling like we’re being gouged. We place the blame on oil speculators who artificially raise prices by as much as 75 cents per gallon, and angrily decry the record profits that oil companies have been enjoying thanks to their tax breaks and lobbyists. Justly so. But don’t we deserve the blame just as much as they do? In our defensiveness over the need to drive personal vehicles, we too often refuse to make concessions that can help us all move forward into an era of green transportation.

Fossil fuels are a finite resource, a major source of pollution and the cause of numerous international conflicts and wars. We can’t grow oil like we can grow algae or biofuel crops. At this point, we should be thinking of our fossil fuel consumption in terms of transitioning to more sustainable options.

But what is it that we can do, as individuals? Instead of just complaining, we can make even more drastic cuts to our driving than ever before. Those of us who are privileged to live in cities with public transit systems should make use of them as often as possible, and the rest of us should push for the same rights in our own communities. Learn the various ways to use less fuel. Take romantic train rides instead of driving cross-country. Ride your bicycle to the store for that carton of milk. Support political efforts to fund renewable energy innovation. Demand high-speed rail. Spread the word about clean energy, which creates three times more jobs than fossil fuels. Consider moving to the city.

The latter option may, in fact, be the single most effective thing we can do. Urbanization is by far the most efficient way to share resources, and with conscious oversight, cities can be green. Population density frees up rural land for food production, preserves wilderness and increases available green space. The 2010 census shows that many Americans are reversing the suburbanization trend, moving back into urban areas in droves. Although this raises valid concerns about potential suburban blight, and may strain city budgets in the short-term, it’s a crucial step toward a more sustainable future.

Thankfully, despite the prevailing attitudes about gas prices, there’s a dot of light at the end of the tunnel. Hybrid sales are increasing, and many people purchasing new vehicles are paying closer attention to fuel efficiency. General Motors, once again the world’s number one automobile manufacturer, reports that sales of vehicles that get at least 30 miles to the gallon make up 40 percent of its sales, versus 16 percent in 2009.

Like any addiction, cheap fossil fuels will be a hard habit to break. But when it comes down to it, do we really have a choice?

Photo: David Drexler

The post Curbing Our Addiction to Cheap Fossil Fuels appeared first on EcoSalon.

Pass-fail classes were a gift. I mean, not when I thought I would ace them, because what would be the point? But when getting by wasn’t a sure thing (in my case, for example, in any class that ended in “ometry”), a thumbs up or thumbs down option was a super deal. I could fudge pretty much anything and how hard was it, really, to garner enough lackadaisical sentiment from the powers that be that said: “Whatever. Move along. You’re fine”?

Well, heads up automakers. Teach is onto you. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are looking to take some of the vagaries out of fuel economy labeling by giving new vehicles grades for fuel efficiency. There’s even something on the table resembling a curve, where vehicles will be judged against the performance of their peers. Tough stuff and it won’t be surprising if The Industry doesn’t like what it sees.

The idea is to update the current label, “to provide consumers with simple, straightforward energy and environmental comparisons across all vehicles types, including electric vehicles (EV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), and conventional gasoline/diesel vehicles.” The new stickers will now have “ratings on fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions, and other air pollutants,” which addresses the requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. The new label will be debut on vehicles in the 2012 model year.

For about the next two months, the agencies will be soliciting public comment before choosing between one of two proposed stickers. One is a bit more conventional (below), while the other bears the sure-to-be-controversial grading system (bottom). For the latter, according to the NYT, an A+ means a fuel economy equivalent of at least 117 miles per gallon and would be reserved for zero emission cars. Plug-in hybrids coming in between 59 to 116 miles per gallon would get an A, and “conventional hybrids, like the Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion,” would get an A-. The article goes on to say that if the system were in place today, “306 small cars from model year 2010 would receive a B, only eight S.U.V.’s would receive a B+ (68 would get a C), and the highest grade for a van would be a C+.”

Grades aside, a good old MPG ranking will be on whatever label ends up stuck on the windows of 2012 cars and trucks, as well as a “fuel consumption value” chart that measures gallons of fuel required per 100 miles. Egogeek points out that “upstream emissions, such as the emissions from a power plant generating electricity to recharge a vehicle, would not be listed on the label,” but there will a website offered where you can get more info if you want to check it out.

The NYT article is already reporting negative auto industry reaction, saying “the letter grades –  from A+ to D – were immediately denounced by some industry groups, which said the government should not be making value judgments for consumers about vehicles.” I suppose that’s to be expected by a group that’s not used to such getting graded so specifically on its work.

It’s going to be interesting to see how the grading system plays out, if that’s the route that’s chosen, as such an approach is always a delicate proposal. Witness the movie rating system where an NC-17 versus an R can make or break a film even before its release. The trick is going to be objective accuracy and if it’s done right, the carrot of a good grade might just be what’s indicated to get some of slackers in gear.

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If I had it my way, we’d all travel around town on horseback. But as much as I like to dream of a time when grass was sufficient fuel, that’s hardly a feasible mode of transportation in an age of advanced technology and long daily commutes. Still, there are plenty of green (well, greener) options for the environmentally conscious. Ever since that sad day when General Motors crushed the last EV1, automobile companies have taken strides in the right direction to create vehicles that cause the planet less harm. So, if you’re due for a new ride, consider one of the most eco-friendly cars released this year.

Tesla Roadster

The electric car is back in ultimate style with the sporty Tesla Roadster. You can travel an impressive 220 miles before recharging this state-of-the-art vehicle. The only problem? It will set you back a whopping $100,000. So, until you win the lottery or stumble upon a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, let’s move on to the more reasonable choices.

Aptera 2e

This futuristic electric vehicle is much more affordable than the Tesla Roadster, with a starting price of around $25,000. In addition to its electric motor that runs 100 miles per charge, the Aptera 2e boasts interior and exterior LED lighting and solar assisted climate control. Unfortunately, it’s currently only available to California residents through a somewhat lengthy reservation process.

Toyota Prius

At 51 miles per gallon in the city and 48 on the highway, the Toyota Prius is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles around. With an annual CO2 rating of 1,968 kilograms, this hybrid holds first place on MSN’s list of the Least Polluting Vehicles of 2009. It also offers eco-friendly features like a solar-powered ventilation system and LED headlamps and taillights.

Honda Civic Hybrid

Competing closely with the Toyota Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency, the Honda Civic Hybrid gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 on the highway. It also has the second lowest annual CO2 rating of 2,160 kilograms.

Honda Insight Hybrid

With a base price of just over $20,000, the Honda Insight is the least expensive hybrid on the market today. This fuel-efficient vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 43 on the highway.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Of all mid-size sedans, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient. It averages 41 miles per gallon in the city and 36 on the highway.

Smart Fortwo

The Smart Fortwo, more commonly known as the smart car, averages 33 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient car powered solely by gasoline. Coming in third, it produces a yearly CO2 rating of 2,592 kilograms. Plus, this ultra-low emission vehicle’s white, black and red models are painted with a water-soluble solution. (Our editor is currently out of town picking up her very own Smart Car – she’ll be posting a review soon!)

Nissan Altima Hybrid

With the fifth lowest CO2 rating of 2,784 kilograms per year, the Nissan Altima Hybrid gets 35 miles per gallon in the city and 33 on the highway. In this super ultra low emissions vehicle, you can drive up to 600 miles before you need to stop for a refill.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

At 33 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a fuel-efficient vehicle that features a notable yearly CO2 rating of 2,736 kilograms, making it the fourth least polluting vehicle of 2009.

Volkswagon Jetta TDI

Winner of the 2009 Green Car of the Year award, the Volkswagon Jetta TDI is powered by ultra-low sulfur diesel. At 30 miles per gallon in the city and 41 on the highway, this vehicle utilizes clean diesel technology and produces 3,240 kilograms of CO2 annually, placing thirteenth on MSN’s list.

Ford Escape Hybrid

At 34 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway, the Ford Escape Hybrid has the corner on fuel-efficient sports utility vehicles. Coming in at sixth place, it is the only one to rank on MSN’s lowest annual CO2 ratings at 2,928 kilograms.

Toyota Yaris

With the seventh lowest rating, the Toyota Yaris generates approximately 3,072 kilograms of CO2 per year. It also features a fuel-efficiency of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway.

Image: Ed Yourdon

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