It’s no secret.  We’re in a fuel crunch reminiscent of the 1970’s.  The difference is that since we didn’t do some of the things to follow up after the 70’s and 80’s, the crunch is bigger and there are many more cars and other vehicles involved.  To top that, since we are in the midst of just about the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression, the fuel situation is simply one of the critical issues we are facing.

Lawmakers and automakers have begun talking about how working together might help everyone and everything out of the entire mess.  It is essential that since the country did not take the warnings of the 70’s and 80’s seriously and begin to make changes, the time to make those changes is now.

People cannot afford fuel at current prices.  In addition, the United States uses 25% of the world’s fuel, but only controls about 3%, not a good combination.  The environment is also being affected by fossil fuels and autoworkers are losing jobs because all of a sudden, there is no fuel for gas-guzzling SUV’s so nobody is buying.  It’s like dominos, or, as the President said recently, “a house of cards.”

What if the lawmakers in their power to help bail everybody else out – including other countries (even ones who have attacked this country) started really helping the automakers make the changes necessary to control the fuel crisis?  For instance, subsidies or tax incentives for producing hybrids and other cars that are more fuel efficient and do not depend on fossil fuels to run, could help failing automakers stay in business.  This help could also keep thousands of autoworkers from losing jobs and possibly create thousands of additional jobs, strengthening the economy.

At the other end of the spectrum, creating incentives and making it easier for individuals to get car loans with lower interest rates (without being careless or ridiculous), would help wean people out of their fossil fuel cars and into alternatives that would be good for the environment and the economy, as well as the fuel crisis.  Helping people convert cars to be able to use ethanol if possible could also be another way to approach the situation.

These are but a few small ideas from a few individuals among the millions who are hurting from the fuel crisis and the economic crisis we are all currently dealing with.  Maybe they would be workable ideas.  Maybe not.  But working together to save jobs, put money into the economy, find and use alternatives for fossil fuel and help the environment at the same time can’t be all bad.

One of the signs that things have changed with relation to fuel and fuel prices is the fact that fuel-guzzling vehicles are no longer in demand.  In fact, in many cases, because of huge fuel price increases, it is hard, if not impossible, to even give them away. 

SUV’s and large trucks that do not get good mileage were status symbols not long ago.  Within the past year as fuel prices have continued to rise, prices for these vehicles have continued to drop.  Vehicles that cost $20,000 to $40,000  less than a year ago are being sold – or as some people say, given away – for well under $10,000. 

These are signs that things have changed and are continuing to change when it comes to the way we view transportation and fuel.  Not only are individuals, families and consumers realizing this, but so are car companies that have been producing those large and inefficient vehicles.

As a result, auto makers are changing the way they do business and changing their factories to match.  They are making adjustments to coincide with the adjustments that have taken place in the vehicle market due to the fuel crisis.

Ford Motor Company, for example, has begun to change many of its truck factories and adapt them so that they will be able to produce smaller, fuel efficient vehicles, such as the Ford Focus.  The factories will be retooled and this retooling will begin in November. 

These adjustments are important because they are intelligent.  This retooling will cost million of dollars, but save thousands of jobs.  It will help the economy by providing a product that people need and a product that will conserve fuel and energy and ultimately help the environment.

Other auto makers are looking at following Ford’s example in similar ways.  This makes sense for them financially – why keep producing products that won’t sell when you can produce more products that you already produce that you know will sell?  In addition to making financial sense for the auto makers, there will be benefits to the country and its citizens as we have already discussed.

So, one more sign that it is time to deal with the fuel crisis head on is the fact that politicians are talking about it and industry – including automakers – is actually doing something about it. 

With some concerted effort, there can be progress, and with progress, we just might get through this crisis and change the way we look at and use fuel forever.