This week, the White House released a report on stimulus spending which, in part, highlights spending for renewable energy projects such as electric powered vehicles, improved battery technology and renewable energy technologies as examples of successful projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"The Recovery Act: Transforming the American Economy Through Innovation" claims that spending has put the United States "on track" to:

• Double domestic renewable energy generation capacity by 2012;
• Cut solar power costs in half by 2015; and
• Cut electric vehicle battery costs by half by 2013.

But a closer look at the report tells a different story. While renewable generation capacity is indeed growing, there are no real technological advancements that have been achieved to date... more »

Did you know that today's diesel-powered light-duty vehicles must meet the same stringent emission requirements as gasoline-powered models?API helped those diesel vehicles meet the same air quality standards as gasoline vehicles in two ways. First, by producing Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, which burns more cleanly than earlier forms of diesel fuel. And second, by developing a certification program for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is a liquid that is injected into the exhaust system of diesel vehicles from a container located under the hood in most cars. The DEF hydrolyzes into ammonia when injected into the exhaust, and the ammonia reacts with the nitrogen oxide (NOX, which is a precursor to ground-level ozone formation) in the catalyst and converts it to pure nitrogen and water... more »

It's fair to say that the ongoing debate over oil lacks balance. In recent years, oil--a naturally-occurring energy resource--has been accused of being addictive, blamed for changing the climate, chastised for despoiling the environment and criticized for enabling the internal combustion engine.

Rarely does anyone write about oil's benefits to the health, prosperity and well being of people all over the globe. It was refreshing, therefore, to read a recent study by Indur Goklany who says oil and other carbon-based fuels should be credited with saving millions of lives.

In "A Primer on the Global Death Toll of Extreme Weather Events," Goklany tracks the impact of weather on global death rates, adding that "despite the media attention to such events, extreme weather events have a minor impac... more »

In about one week, concerned citizens in several states will come together in a series of rallies for jobs and the economy.

A year ago, API helped to organize rallies in more than 20 states and invited Americans to submit videos, many of which were shown on large screens during the rallies. Ron of New Bloomfield, Mo., provided his thoughts in this video:

If you want to make a statement about the importance of U.S. jobs and a sound economy, please submit a video here or visit one of these two websites:

• Energy Citizens - This group comprises Americans from all walks of life who are against higher energy costs and support the American way of life.
• Energy Nation - Ever since Col. Drake drilled the first oil well in 1859, energy workers have sought to provide oil and natural gas to the Ame... more »

The faltering economy appears to be a primary reason for a slight drop in U.S. gasoline demand. According to API's Monthly Statistical Report issued this morning, U.S. gasoline deliveries (a measure of demand) fell by 0.03 percent in July as compared to the same period a year ago. Except for 2008, it was the lowest July gasoline demand figure since 2003.

"With unemployment high and July regular gasoline prices more than 20 cents a gallon above those a year ago, consumers likely have been shopping and vacationing less and trimmed their gasoline purchases accordingly," said API Chief Economist John Felmy.

Overall demand for oil products rose 3.8 percent in July over the same month last year. Demand for the type of diesel fuel used in trucks was up significantly.

"This suggests some growth in... more »