Why We Hate the Oil Companies

Straight Talk from an Energy Insider

By: John Hofmeister

Narrated by: John Hofmeister

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 insiders view of whats 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.

©2010 John Hofmeister (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Hofmeister] takes a broad view of what we need to do to craft a successful energy strategy for our nation and has first-hand knowledge of why our past policies have failed to prepare us for 21st century challenges.” (Robert S. Walker, Former Chairman of the Science Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, Chairman of the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Energy)

Let's Get Real about our energy choices

At a time when the media are drenching the country in daily torrents of alarm and abuse directed at the oil companies because of the massive Gulf contamination arising from the BP well blow-out, this book offers a hard-hitting and persuasive appeal not to throw
our brains away when discussing energy policy. The author, former president of Shell Oil's US subsidiary, sets forth a clear and well-informed
discussion of our realistic energy choices. Interestingly, as an oil industry veteran, he firmly supports researching and developing
alternative "clean" energy sources. He also points out that environmental and safety issues will always compel sensible regulation of oil, gas, coal and nuclear energy operations. However, he also lays out the facts: unless we are willing to forego our standard of living and national security that rest in large part on relatively cheap and easily accessible energy for our homes and cars, we have no alternative to large-scale reliance on fossil fuel sources in
the next 20-30 years. The so-called "clean" alternatives (solar, wind, biofuels, conservation) make up at most 10-15% of the total energy resources at our command. The transition to fossil fuel alternatives will take time.

A most informative and thoughtful read.

Some good, some bad

This author is not completely an apologist for the oil industry, but that's what he does for the first half of the book. The second half is a sensible analysis of our energy sources , how much we need, and honest appraisals of alternative sources, done from the perspective of an engineer. Worth listening to to get a balanced insight to energy policy.

Intelligent and Realistic

If you're looking for some detailed insight into the inner workings of oil companies...this is not it. What this book does discuss is some reasonable, common sense solutions to our energy problems. One reviewer stated that the author blames politicians and then looks to them for the solution. That is not quite accurate. The author does blame politicians (both Democrat and Republican) in a sense and seeks a solution that takes the daily management of energy policy out of their hands. He does make a strong argument for a gradual transition from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel cells and batteries (for cars) and nuclear energy (for electricity). This book helps educate you about energy and energy policy without becoming overly tedious, and offers up one possible solution for our energy problems.

fantastic

If you have any interest in energy, politics, or global trends then this is a great book!

He has some good ideas, but….

I started out, wanting to dislike this book, and was reluctant to read in the first place. All of this, because of what I have heard. However, in the first 2/3 of the book, I found myself agreeing with most of what he said. The problem is, like men who think they are Centras, in reality, it’s really a sanctimonious approach that neither side is correct. The problem with his analysis is that since he wrote this book, one side of the political spectrum has run so far away from the center, it makes everyone else look extreme.

Moreover, he oddly starts making predictions late in the book. Short term (10 years) or predictions. These rarely age well and his were no different. We actually DID achieve energy independence. And the next administration grew it away until they saw gas prices surge to politically dangerous levels. Then they relaxed their prohibitions against drilling and lo and behold, gas prices go down! 

A must read for everyone, right now.

These very well written and concise explanations and answers should be immediately reviewed for all.
An eye opener, for sure.

Oil and Politics: Cycles are the problem

Mr. Hofmeister captures the true nature of the differences in political and energy industry speak. Excellent read on how we can repair and move into the next generation keeping our energy needs available.

Minimal Insight and Minimal Value

The author provided a few interesting insights, particularly in the context of today's economy. But like other reviews, the author blames government, then proceeds to propose another massive bureaucracy. In addition, Jack Welch as a mentor is a damning condemnation along with blatantly liberal viewpoint, which he doesn't reveal until the very end of the book. My credit would have been much bettter utilized purchasing the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith or the Road to Serfdom by Hajek.

Don't waste your money or a free credit

Learned a little, sort of expected different.

First, I had anticipated more in depth info in regards to oil comany profits etc.. how much they make per gallon etc..He just explores alternative forms of energy and how they will and will not work. I did enjoy some sections but towards the end when his big solution was to create a new government agency to handle our energy crisis, and comparing it the succesfull fed reserve I almost threw my mp3 player out the window. He blames politicians then claims they are the answer?