Includes bibliographical references (p. [241]-245) and index.

The future is more, not less -- Energy independence? Keep dreaming -- There is an energy shortage, but there is no shortage of energy -- Inconvenient or not, the truth is that climate change is not the issue -- Beware the reckless right and ludicrous left -- Forget the free market -- The industry is parochial. Surprised? -- Oil and gas : unlovable and unavoidable. Utilities : ditto! -- Conservation starts with land use management -- Energy and politics : oil and water -- Our government is broken -- Here's how we fix it! -- Every voice counts -- Where do we go from here?

"Americans have long had a love-hate relationship with the oil industry. Myself included." -- from the Preface.

"As president of Shell Oil, John Hofmeister was known for being a straight shooter, willing to challenge his peers throughout the industry. Now, he's a man on a mission, the founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy, crisscrossing the country in a grassroots campaign to change the way we look at energy in this country. While pundits proffer false new promises of green energy independence, or flatly deny the existence of a problem, Hofmeister offers an insider's view of what's behind the energy companies' posturing, and how politicians use energy misinformation, disinformation, and lack of information to get and stay elected. He tackles the energy controversy head-on, without regard for political correctness. He also provides a new framework for solving difficult problems, identifying solutions that will lead to a future of comfortable lifestyles, affordable and clean energy, environmental protection, and sustained economic competitiveness"--Provided by publisher.