I noted with some amusement the recent attempt by the Maine Republican Party to mock Obama’s energy plan by distributing tire pressure gauges with “Obama’s Energy Plan” lettered on them. The only problem is that they forgot to check their facts.

A recent article on Time.com has the facts. Drilling in U.S. offshore areas, by President Bush’s estimate, would increase domestic production by 200,000 barrels per day by 2030. That represents 1 percent of our total daily consumption. So McCain’s plan would increase oil production by an amount equal to 1 percent of our total consumption and it would take 22 years. Wow, I’m underwhelmed.

Experts estimate that maintaining proper tire pressure could reduce gasoline usage by 3 percent. Transportation uses about 70 percent of our total oil consumption, so that equates to an overall reduction of about 2 percent. Hmmm – 2 percent now or 1 percent in 22 years? Proper maintenance – engine tune-ups, etc. – could reduce gasoline usage by another 4 percent, which equates to an overall reduction of another 3 percent. Hmmm – 5 percent now or 1 percent in 22 years?

But why would the Republican Party mislead you? Well, consider that additional offshore drilling would increase Big Oil’s profits, but conservation would definitely decrease Big Oil’s profits. Well, it is all in fun anyway. If you got one of the tire gauges – use it.

But, if you fall for the Republican’s misleading humor then the real joke is on you.

Mike Lane

Rockland