MEMORANDUM FROM THE PRESIDENT
TO: SECRETARY OF STATE, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY, SECRETARY OFDEFENSE, SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, SECRETARY OFCOMMERCE, SECRETARY OF LABOR, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, SECRETARYOF TRANSPORTATION, SECRETARY OF ENERGY, SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITYADMINISTRATOR, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY UNITED STATES TRADEREPRESENTATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR,OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET CHAIR, COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS CHAIR,COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY CHAIR, NATIONAL ECONOMIC COUNCIL DIRECTOR,OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
SUBJECT: Oil Dependence Speech
I plan to deliver an address from the Oval Office one month from today. The topic will be oil dependence. This memorandum seeks recommendations for that speech.
BACKGROUND
Oil dependence threatens all Americans. Our national security is threatened by the need to protect oil flows from unstable regions. Our natural world is threatened by heat-trapping gases from the burning of oil. Our prosperity is threatened by volatile world oil prices.
Fortunately, technologies to help end oil dependence are at hand. Plug-in hybrid engines can connect cars to the electric grid. Ethanol and other biofuels can diversify the fuel supply while renewing rural America. Many well-known technologies can dramatically improve the fuel efficiency of new cars.
In one month, I hope to present the nation with a plan for ending our dependence on oil. To do that, I need your help. Below is a list of topics central to shaping this plan, with a lead author next to each. Please deliver a memo (10 pages maximum) on each topic for which you are identified as lead author by the date shown. These memos should provide both background information and policy recommendations.
Your departments are filled with experts familiar with many facets of this complex topic. Please draw on their expertise in preparing these memos. As part of my speech, I plan to highlight several individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership on topics related to oil dependence. Please provide recommendations along with sample press clippings concerning these individuals.
In making your recommendations, please be guided by the words: "Make no small plans, for they have no power to stir the soul."
TASKINGS
Due one week from today:
1. National Security Consequences of Oil Dependence-National Security Adviser
2. Environmental Consequences of Oil Dependence-Chair, Council on Environmental Quality
3. Economic Consequences of Oil Dependence-National Economic Council
Due two weeks from today:
4. Plug-In Cars-Secretary of Transportation
5. Biofuels-Secretary of Agriculture
6. Fuel Efficiency-Secretary of Transportation
7. Coal-Secretary of Energy
8. Hydrogen-Secretary of Energy
9. Smart Growth-Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
10. Strategic Petroleum Reserve-Secretary of Energy
11. Diplomatic Strategy-Secretary of State
Due three weeks from today:
12. Options Memo-Chief of Staff
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Share your thoughts about the best approach to ending our oil dependency. What would you tell the President? Comment below and check back to the group for more important memos.
To read the Counselor's response, click here.
For more information about David Sandalow andhis book Freedom from Oil, please visitwww.freedomfromoilbook.com.
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The above is an excerpt from Freedom from Oil by David Sandalow.
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Comments: 10
It is a dirty game and it is polotics that 'makes' us dependent of foreign oil. It is a monopoly game and I know Bushis hoarding a lot of oil (federal reserves my ass!) Clinton released some of that oil to the American people as I remember to ease the prices at the pumps. Roll on 08
FR: Eddie R.
RE: Answer to your request RE: oil Dependency
Sorry for the early response but I have been busy stuffing envelopes.
The first item I must see is a conservative estimate as to when the oil reserves will be depleted. At that time we can then make an intelligent decision as to how much longer the oil industry must maintain their infrastructure. When we have that "going out-of-business" date we can then create private; and government programs to make sure renewable sources are used and enforce severe penalties to those businesses and individuals that do not follow the new requirements for self sufficiency.
Onward
Now Bush found that the only thing he can depend on is oil. Beside that he can depend no body. Still he can make a choice: withdraw the army from Iraq and change his policy to Blood for Nothing; or keep ocupying and get more deaths and wounds.
It's not just about cars. The electricity to power plug-in cars creates greenhouse gases and the production of ethanol will use land that currently supplies food crops, thus raising the price of food.
Very, VERY good point, Ann. I think it's insane when I hear about people commuting an hour or more per day. We have a finite lifespan: how much of it do we want to waste getting to and from a job we may not even like?
Every single American could drive less, light less, heat less, cool less, etc', etc., etc. if they wanted to. This waste goes for corporate America as well as private America.
The business I am in takes me into private homes as well as businesses. I routinely see empty rooms fully lit and heated/cooled. Add to this the fact that most Americans drive for entertainment as much as they drive for work and it's pretty easy to see lots and lots of energy( aka oil ) simply going up in smoke every single day.
The plan already exists, although it is a little longer than 10 pages.
Winning the Oil Endgame.