Experts ponder plunging oil prices; Honda’s new Prius fighter looks remarkably like its competition; and who are the least considerate bathers in Europe?

Oil Slick: Why Are Crude Prices Falling?: So what’s up with oil prices? After months of spiraling increases, crude took its biggest downturn in 18 years on Tuesday — and didn’t pop back up the following day. The fall came on the heels President Bush’s reversal of an executive order banning offshore drilling. But the oil industry knows the move was mostly for show. Analysts are split on other possible reasons, including high prices finally dropping demand for gasoline; bearish forecasts on the U.S. economy; and a variety of trading procedures and factors all hitting at just the right moment. Whether prices are in retreat, or just pausing before another uphill run, remains to be seen. (WSJ.com)

Spy Shots: Honda’s hybrid-only Prius fighter!: Guess what? Honda’s upcoming Prius competitors looks a lot like — well, a Prius. Autoblog Green has a photograph of Honda’s hybrid in prototype trim, and it features a raised rear end and similar lines to Toyota’s iconic Prius. While Honda has offered a hybrid drivetrain for a while, the company admits not having a branded green machine has been a sales problem. Judging from the spy shot of Honda’s test vehicle, it seems they intend to beat the Prius by slavishly copying its distinctive lines. (Autoblog Green)

Lowering Energy Consumption Better Than Biofuels for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, OECD Report Finds: A report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development suggests that conservation is a far more effective method to fight greenhouse emissions than biofuels. The OECD report said that emissions benefits from biofuels are overstated, pointing out that palm oil biofuel might actually be worse than conventional diesel when it comes to generated greenhouse gasses. The organization endorsed second generation, non-foodstock biofuels, but concluded that reducing energy consumption was the best way to address emissions. (Treehugger)

Danish Island Becomes Energy Self-Sufficient: the Lesson of Samsø: The Danish island of Samsø has become what most believe to be the first energy-independent island in the world. It’s a feat that didn’t happen over night: the 4,300 residents of the island began the process in 1997, forming support groups and energy cooperatives to explore windpower, solar, and conservation technologies. While the needs of Samsø may vary widely from those of larger, more urbanized areas, their experience may serve as a model for community organization. (Clean Technica)

British Showers Most Wasteful And Inconsiderate In Western Europe, Survey Suggests: The English take Europe’s most wasteful showers, according to a new consumer research study. The survey found British bathers took longer showers, wasted more water, and gave less thought to the environmental impacts of shampoos and related products than their Continental counterparts. Most water conservation experts agree that a 3 to 5 minute shower is all you need to get clean. Spanish and French bathers won high marks for attentiveness to water use. (Science Daily)

Stories You Might Also Like: