Nov 12th 2012, 3:34:28
If you look at Germany they use less than half of the oil per capita than the US. It's a wealthy nation with a strong economy and the Autobahn which is filled with BMWs, Mercedes, Porches etc regularly going 125mph+.
Europeans have $10/gallon gas but they don't actually spend more on gas since they drive more economical cars and have shorter commutes. If the same was done in the US the gains would be huge.
But people will have to be willing to trade in their SUVs and pickup trucks for a diesel powered stationwagon. It wouldn't be a big sacrifice.
The same Germany is well on its way to get 30% of its electricity from renewables in 2020. Is this hurting their economy? No, it's a new booming industry providing many new jobs and opening up new export possibilities. The sacrifice for now are somewhat higher electricity prices, but those also work as an incentive for manufacturers to make their products more efficient.
etc etc
It aren't the excavators I'd look at.
Europeans have $10/gallon gas but they don't actually spend more on gas since they drive more economical cars and have shorter commutes. If the same was done in the US the gains would be huge.
But people will have to be willing to trade in their SUVs and pickup trucks for a diesel powered stationwagon. It wouldn't be a big sacrifice.
The same Germany is well on its way to get 30% of its electricity from renewables in 2020. Is this hurting their economy? No, it's a new booming industry providing many new jobs and opening up new export possibilities. The sacrifice for now are somewhat higher electricity prices, but those also work as an incentive for manufacturers to make their products more efficient.
etc etc
It aren't the excavators I'd look at.
Not MD, fake Magellaan.