Something to consider.

Just prior to Bush Jr. Iraq war I had read an article suggesting it would cost 30 billion dollars spent over a period of 10 years to develop alternative fuels enough that the U.S. would no longer be dependent on foreign sources for energy. Within another 10 years the U.S. would manage to be 90% to 95% free from the usage of fossil fuels.

It was rejected because the cost would be too great for America to bear in that time period.

Unfortunately I cannot find a link to that article so if anyone else knows what I'm refering to and can provide a link I would appreciate it.

Note: Clipmarks truncates the graph. Click to source to see the real deal.