Didn't we learn anything from the 1970s energy crisis?

When I was a kid, gas was rationed and the speed limit was 55 miles per hour. Americans were encouraged to turn off lights and turn down the thermostat to save energy. No, I didn't grow up during World War II -- I'm a child of the '70s, back when Jimmy Carter was president.

TreeHugger points to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution editorial praising the former peanut farmer turned humanitarian. His seemingly nerdy energy conservation efforts of 30 years ago were actually ahead of his time.

Carter proposed a 50-cents-per-gallon tax on gasoline and a fee on imported oil. He recommended a tax on windfall oil profits. He set a goal of producing 20 percent of our energy from solar power by the year 2000. None of which we did, of course.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, if the government had done what Carter suggested, the U.S. would only need to import about 40 percent of our oil -- instead of the 60 percent we currently do. That would surely make a big impact in gas prices for individuals and businesses. And I bet overall CO2 emissions would be lower if we'd achieved Carter's solar target too.

Instead of attacking the problem at the source or investing in the future, today's leaders propose stop-gap measures like offshore oil drilling. Our government's own Energy Information Administration admits that statistics show additional drilling won't decrease gas prices.

Go retro right now, and take some of Jimmy's simple tips to heart. Drive the speed limit or more conservatively. Hypermilers know that avoiding jack-rabbit starts and not slamming down on the brakes raises your mpg. Save money on gas through better driving techniques.

You can easily cut your energy bill at home and save money. Some tips require a little up-front investment, but you'll save in the long run.

Gas stations aren't rationing supplies, but plenty of us are limiting how often we fill the tank. So why not carpool to share the cost? Or consider joining a car-sharing service for longer trips, and then use public transit for everyday commuting. You'll save money and live a little lighter on the planet.

You may not win a Nobel Peace Prize like Mr. Carter, but it's still a humanitarian gesture.