Thanks for the quick education of sugar-derived ethanol.
The problem is not whether or not we can do similar energy technologies in the United States but rather the inablility of our government to govern and support evolving new energy technologies without the stranglehold (of lobbyists )of the entrenched oil companies.
At this time, the US Congress just passed a windfall tax to punish the oil companies for making too much money thanks to the two Gulf Hurricanes. It would not have passed was it not for all the angry letters and phone calls going to Washington.
If the US adopted a proper three-tiered energy policy based on ethanol, gasoline, and LPG, we would not have to be so involved with the gas-rich reserves of the Middle East and their unstable governments.
We, as the United States and the world as a whole, would then move on with our energy dependencys.
Nobody is thinking there is a magic solution. However, there are many solutions, each suited for different climates and peoples.
I believe that hybrid technology is very mature on large scales and is just about ready for automotive applications. Although many are starting to state there is no saving, I say there is. The more efficient use of the derived energy makes the hybrid more friendly to the environment.
As Land Rover owners, anything that leaves the environment in its original pristine state is an excellent idea. Maybe that was the message the chairman of Ford got when he got Land Rover.
He got a better idea. (sorry for the pun).
Adam in NYC
