Problem

The United States uses 26%, produces 9%, and owns only 2–3% of the world’s oil. U.S. energy policy has traditionally focused on securing larger supplies both domestically and internationally, often flexing geopolitical and military muscle to gain access to resources. The diverse costs of that approach are becoming unattractive. RMI thinks there is a better way, one that is not just safer and surer but also cheaper, hence implementable primarily in the marketplace.

The Gift

Your gift will help the U.S. end its addiction to oil through a one-hour briefing for senior military staff about ways to improve efficiency of its heavy vehicles. The broad outlines of a national path beyond oil are strikingly simple: redouble the efficiency of using oil; save half of natural gas at an eighth of today’s market price, and then substitute it for nearly a third of the oil; and replace the last fifth of U.S. oil with modern biofuels. Over a few decades, starting now, a vibrant U.S. economy (then others) can completely phase out oil. This will save a net $70 billion a year, revitalize key industries and rural America, create a million jobs, and enhance security.