The cure for oil addiction is leadership.

Perhaps the greatest obstacle to reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil is the absence of a perceived crisis among the general public. U.S. oil dependence might be compared to a long-term health condition that is rising steadily, like hypertension. The risk of grave damage is rising, but it can

During the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in September 2006, the world was presented the spectacle of successive, frankly outrageous speeches from top officials of Venezuela and Iran. If not for their nations' oil reserves, these gentlemen would offer nothing more than a diversion. As long as U.S. oil dependence--"addiction," as President Bush has acknowledged--continues with no end in sight, the country is creating a future that is hostage to the whims of others.

The United States' immense imports--about 12 million barrels per day--are subsidizing the country's avowed enemies in the Middle East in a time of war, as well as other nations who are working against our national interests.

The overreliance on foreign oil has also enabled too much reliance on petroleum generally. U.S. consumers are wasting this precious resource in inefficient vehicles in the transportation sector, as we all see on the roads every day. In turn, the delay in reducing oil imports makes the inevitable steps toward a diversified energy portfolio harder to achieve.

It's important to note that reducing dependence on foreign oil will have beneficial economic, environmental, trade, and strategic implications. It is hard to imagine one area where so much good can be done through policy change.

Given the regional interests implicated, significant reform in this area will most likely arise from presidential leadership. To be sure, U.S. presidents from Richard Nixon on have made energy security more or less of a priority. Nonetheless, the bottom line is that fundamental change has not occurred. Now, with the United States at war in the Middle East, with global competition intensifying for energy supplies, and with increasing recognition of the risk of climate change, the time is ripe for decisive action. The 2008 presidential campaign will afford an important opportunity.

About the Author

James Strock was President George H.W. Bush's assistant administrator for enforcement (chief law enforcement officer) for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He was also California's first secretary for environmental protection. He can be reached at James Strock & Co., 15029 North Thompson Peak Parkway, Suite B-111-601, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260. Web site www.jamesstrock.com.

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