How do we define freedom?
In the face of $140+ barrel oil (and heading higher), Peak Oil, and Global Warming, an ever-growing definition: Freedom from Oil!
For those fighting to achieve that freedom, another tool just got added to the arsenal: The Freedom Prize.
The Freedom Prizes will address the challenge of oil dependence using American ingenuity and the spirit of competition.
We will be awarding over $4 Million in Freedom Prizes to inspire Industry, Schools, Government, Military, and Communities to significantly reduce their use of oil, thereby promoting America’s national security, economic prosperity and health. Learn more about the problem of oil dependence and what can be done today to start getting our country off oil.
At the moment, The Freedom Prize is just emerging as the rule set for actual prizes won’t come until fall 2008. And, $4 million spread across five categories (Industry, Schools, Government, Military and Community) won’t necessarily take us that far. But, the X-Prize has not necessarily been about guaranteeing financing but in providing visibility and motivation for a challenge, whether private enterprise putting someone into space or commercializing 100+ mile per gallon cars. And, the visibility provides education and knowledge for the rest of society.
While $4 million won’t end America’s addiction to oil, this looks like it could be $4 million very well spent. For the moment, The Freedom Prize is something to keep an eye on, who knows whether they’ll prompt attention to some Silver BBs to help change the game for America’s and the globe’s energy challenges.