President Obama pledged to end the "Tyranny of Oil". Much needs be done but enormous strides have been taken and are underway. The Energy Information Agency expects a reduction of 6.9% in petroleum based gasoline consumption this year from the 371.2 million gallons/day consumed in 2007. Demand for all petroleum based fuels-gasoline, diesel and jet fuel fell 7.1% in 2008, as reported in the WSJ ("Oil Industry Braces For Drop..." 04.13.09) We are all aware that the recession is currently curbing demand as budget conscious consumers forgo long road trips and laid off workers simply stop. Yet the pullback is far broader, more far reaching than the current economic constraints.


A multiplicity of factors are in play that for the first time will begin to end the oil cabal's long and painful hegemony over our lives. The government is undertaking important initiatives to increase energy efficiency and the usage of biofuels . The recently passed economic stimulus program has significant new loan guarantees to help renewable energy businesses to get financing and to start up new projects. Mass transportation will return to focus and new high speed rail initiatives will change the American landscape of rail travel. The administration is working assiduously to toughen the average 35 miles a gallon standard for vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2020 as mandated by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act.