January 11, 2012
Flex Fuel Vehicles Key to Global Oil Crunch
Consider this: 95 percent of transportation fuel in the United States comes from oil that is controlled by the handful of countries that make up OPEC – many of which are run by dictators and strongmen who don’t support America’s values of freedom and democracy.
Being at OPEC’s mercy means it controls what we pay at the gas pump today and in the future. In fact, energy analysts are already projecting that If Iran follows through with its threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, the price of oil could rise 50 percent or more within days.
This connection explains why every president since Nixon – including Obama – has called for a reduction in foreign oil in an attempt to shield our economy and our national security from its influence.
There is no reason to believe that the goal will be any different in 2012—especially since it’s an election year—but, the result can be different if this Congress makes one important decision: invest in Flex Fuel vehicles.
The author states, “[T]he auto industry can make flex fuel cars a reality. Once multi-fuel vehicles become available, the normal market forces of demand, supply and price would help the alternative fuels gain acceptance and reduce dependence on oil.”
Today, there are nine million Flex Fuel vehicles (FFVs) out of a total of 249 million vehicles on the road. Automakers have committed to producing more FFVs, but in order to make that investment effective, we need a simultaneous expansion of Flex Fuel pumps to deliver the mid and high level blends of ethanol to run in those vehicles.
Making Flex Fuel vehicles as commonplace as conventional cars will give retailers the confidence they need to invest in Flex Fuel pumps.
As the author concludes, “Once the car user has the confidence that he will be able to refill any fuel, he will naturally choose the most economic alternative. This will help contain petroleum usage and its prices and create a strong market pull for the alternative fuels.”
Energy security is national security. We can no longer afford to allow a handful of countries exert unlimited influence on our wallets or our safety. Increasing the number of Flex Fuel vehicles on the road will increase access to alternative fuels, put more money back into consumers’ pockets and create a more secure energy future for our children and grandchildren.
