Momentum builds for energy independence: Converging conditions could stoke sustained federal push …

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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-energy_tuesdec16,0,1364023.story

Momentum builds for energy independence

Converging conditions could stoke sustained federal push for alternative fuels, greener cars

By Jim Tankersley

Washington Bureau

December 16, 2008

WASHINGTON — Breaking America's foreign-oil addiction was all the rage on Capitol Hill when gas cost $4 a gallon. Now that it's under $2 and falling, history suggests the enthusiasm for alternative fuels and more-efficient cars will subside. It did that in the mid-1970s and again in the '80s and '90s.

But this time could be different. A confluence of factors that didn't exist or played lesser roles in previous "energy independence" efforts has congressional leaders and environmental groups thinking that major action to reduce oil imports and replace fossil fuels may still be possible. The new elements in the equation include increasing public anxiety over global warming, broad enthusiasm for making sure the coming stimulus package has a "green" tinge and repeated vows for action from President-elect Barack Obama.

Also this time, many consumers and oil company executives appear convinced it won't be long before high gas prices come back to stay.

"In the past, when the price of oil and gas have dropped, it has caused us to lose our focus" on energy independence, said Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), who heads the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "I don't think that'll happen this time."

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