[acchow]

Are you an economist? This is not how economics works. It's frustrating to see overly-simplistic statements passed off as facts by supposed "experts" on HN.

The actual economics is way more complicated.

Some thoughts to ponder:

1) Why don't other countries oil-producing nations try to minimize their own oil consumption in a similar way?

2) Why don't other countries do the same with whatever natural resource they have an abundance of?

[Brakenshire]

Yeah, its a moral thing, and also to a degree an economic diversification policy. Saudi is actually doing a similar thing, trying to encourage non-oil industry.

[tonyedgecombe]

They aren't having much success though, the curse of oil and all that stuff.

[gcb0]

because most oil producing countries can't have the luxury of also having hydro power. When they do, the comment you called a liar is very true.