Article | 2005

Oil: Our Fatal Dependence

By Amory Lovins
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In this article, which is an expanded version of the 2004 article, “How America Can Free Itself of Oil—Profitably,” Amory Lovins points out that saving oil is cheaper than buying it, and that the United States can eliminate its oil dependence and revitalize its economy by adopting smart business strategies. Lovins argues that America can end oil dependence by redoubling 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. These strategies will make America more competitive and result in a better energy policy for the country.