Gusher of Lies
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founder | Robert Bryce |
| Products | Non-fiction book |
Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of Energy Independence is a book authored by Robert Bryce and released in 2008 through PublicAffairs.
Synopsis
In 2008, the United States relied on imports for 60 percent of its oil consumption. Bryce maintains that given the country's substantial energy requirements, it is necessary to continue importing oil while simultaneously boosting domestic oil and gas production. Although the notion of energy independence is an attractive slogan, he emphasizes that the practical situation reflects energy interdependence.
Echoing themes from his subsequent work Power Hungry, Bryce argues that renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy are insufficient to satisfy the increasing U.S. energy demand. He regards ethanol fuel as not economically feasible but concedes that escalating global prices might eventually enhance the competitiveness of alternative energy sources.
Reception
Dr. Michael J. Economides, writing for Forbes, commended Bryce’s extensive examination of energy policies across the political spectrum, describing the book as crucial for grasping upcoming energy issues.
William Grimes from the New York Times criticized Bryce’s confrontational tone, suggesting it occasionally detracts from his credibility, particularly when discussing political matters outside his expertise.
In the Austin Chronicle, Richard Whittaker recognized Bryce’s compelling argument against the feasibility and desirability of energy independence, while also pointing out some debatable links in Bryce’s analysis relating energy consumption to social consequences.
See also
- Pipe Dreams: Greed, Ego, and the Death of Enron
- Power Hungry: The Myths of "Green" Energy and the Real Fuels of the Future