The Foreign Service Journal, December 2003

negotiations difficult, but the stakes are such that creative ways should be sought to move an open energy trade agenda along. The international safety net also has to be improved. Countries that were not members of the OECD in 1973, especially large oil-importing countries like China and India, need to be brought directly into the International Energy Agency’s emer- gency stockpiling planning mechanism. They need to be assisted in building strategic stocks and in coordi- nating their emergency actions with the IEA. There might even be room for innovative financial and supply arrangements to involve Russia in this system as well. Finally, there is much to be done on the domestic front. The United States needs to take demand man- agement seriously. The U.S. lags behind the rest of the industrialized world in energy policy. All U.S. govern- ment fleet vehicles should be high- ly efficient hybrid vehicles or nat- ural gas or electric power cars. If U.S. taxpayers resist energy taxes, then U.S. policy should include higher mileage efficiency stan- dards on all vehicles, including sport utility vehicles. Higher taxes could at least be placed on ineffi- cient vehicles. A larger commit- ment to research and development of renewable and alternative energy fuels is also required. Developing a sound energy strategy requires politi- cal courage, sacrifices and compromises by special interest groups and the American public. Until Americans accept the reality that unfettered energy use is not free of consequence, anniversaries of the 1973 oil embargo will remain an uncomfortable reminder of choices not taken, rather than a benchmark of chal- lenges overcome. ■ F O C U S 30 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 3 The United States needs to take demand management seriously. SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE AMERICA S I NCE 1 9 7 1 2003 represents our 33 rd year helping to maintain America’s fleet of vehicles throughout the world. All of us at D & M consider it an honor to have worked with all of you through these years. We are aware of the importance of your official and private vehicles, forklifts, generators, tools and equipment. We look forward to continuing this service in a professional manner. We are here to help, just ask! Gary Vlahov w ww.dmauto.com (516) 822-6662; FAX: (516) 822-5020; E-mail: info @dmauto.com