# Drive Star: A Bold Proposal for Energy Reform

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/06/drive-star-a-bold-proposal-for-energy-reform/
- Published: 2010-06-22T21:35:20-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## President Obama Urges “Drive Star” to Halve Oil Use by 2020

In a speech following the BP oil spill disaster, President Barack Obama doubled 
down on his call for bold energy reforms. He pointed to “Drive Star,” an innovative
proposal designed to reduce U.S. oil consumption dramatically—by up to half—by the
year 2020.

Obama framed the Gulf crisis as a stark reminder of America’s dependence on oil.
He argued that cutting this dependency wasn’t just an environmental imperative but
a national security priority. In his follow-up remarks, he emphasized concrete steps
to make that shift happen.

![Mechanic installing fuel-efficient tires in an auto shop with labeled green-certified
parts bins and a Fuel Efficiency Upgrades Available sign.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/A0EA4F18-61F3-4D54-A5A9-3174FE5038D5.png?resize=736%
2C491&quality=50&ssl=1)

Drive Star retrofits helped shops offer fuel-saving upgrades while supporting green
jobs.

## What is the “Drive Star” Program?

The “Drive Star” concept takes its name from the successful “Cash for Clunkers” 
program. But instead, it focuses on retrofitting existing vehicles for better fuel
efficiency. Because it targets real-world upgrades, Drive Star also offers incentives
for advanced fuel-efficient tires. It also supports improved aerodynamics, [hybrid conversions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/hybrid-vehicle-system-enables-commercial-conversions/),
and cleaner diesel upgrades. As part of this plan, it aims to get mechanics and 
small businesses involved. So they can create jobs while cutting emissions. It also
helps reduce oil consumption. Therefore, the program promises practical and scalable
solutions. Even more, it supports American workers.

### A Plan for Economic and Environmental Benefits

Obama stressed that investing in Drive Star wasn’t just about the environment. It
was also about jump-starting a clean-energy economy. By offering rebates and incentives
for fuel-saving upgrades, the program promised to save drivers money at the pump
while supporting American jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

He compared it to the energy-efficiency gains from home weatherization—another area
his administration had pushed with programs like “Home Star.” Just as weatherizing
homes reduced energy bills, “Drive Star” would help drivers use less oil, with real
savings over time.

### Urgent Action in the Wake of the Spill

The President’s push for Drive Star came amid intense criticism of the government
and oil companies after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Obama used the moment to
call for bipartisan support for cleaner energy, framing it as essential to avoid
future catastrophes.

He called for Congress to pass energy legislation that included the Drive Star proposal.
For it’s arguing that piecemeal reforms weren’t enough. To break America’s “addiction
to oil,” he said, the nation needed to embrace comprehensive solutions.

### Looking Ahead

While the Drive Star plan ultimately faced political challenges, it was an early
and serious attempt to connect the dots between economic recovery, job creation,
and environmental stewardship.

Obama’s message was clear: America’s energy strategy couldn’t keep relying on risky
drilling and foreign oil. Programs like Drive Star offered a way to transform the
existing fleet, reduce demand, and put Americans to work building a cleaner future.

Sources:

 * [White House Archives – Energy & Environment](https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/energy-environment)
 * [U.S. Department of Energy – Vehicle Technologies Office](https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/vehicle-technologies-office)