MarkS, I don't think a 45 MPH limit is silly. I just don't see Americans adopting the 'radical' or 'extreme' (pick your epithet) ethos that we are describing. I see a lazy-minded nation when it comes to our energy 'policy', and a quick glance at the average-sized car on the road will confirm this. Hell, look at the average size of an American.

Those personal electronic, stirling or bio-fuel vehicles are all tied into the coal/hydro/natural gas/oil/wind power/solar grid anyway. These conservation measures were discussed in the 70's and did not come to fruition. Someone, somewhere is still working on cold fusion. I'm not belittling those efforts, just pointing out that the oil path is well-worn and we're not getting off.

Venezuela motto: Estado de la Estrella Solita.