Plot Analysis Summary
A critical examination of historical fuel efficiency suppression, corporate lobbying, and political influence on US energy policy.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Historical Fuel Efficiency Claims
The documentary opens with presidential addresses on oil dependency, followed by historical demonstrations of water-injected engines achieving exceptional mileage. Corporate records reveal Shell acquired and suppressed these high-efficiency technologies in the late 1970s.
Key Events
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Presidential Oil Speeches — Presidents discuss reducing foreign oil dependency.
Location: White House Archives
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Buick Water Injection Demo — Historical vehicle achieves 100 mpg via water injection.
Location: 1946 Test Track
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Shell Technology Suppression — Shell acquires and buries high-mileage engine concept.
Location: Corporate Boardroom
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1977 Shell Scientist Report — Internal study claims 150 mpg achieved in 1947 model.
Location: Research Lab
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El Paso Times Headline — Public article reports 200 mpg on two gallons of gas.
Location: Newspaper Office
Post-Katrina Price Crisis
Hurricane Katrina triggers a sudden gasoline price spike, prompting immediate congressional investigations into market manipulation. Lawmakers question whether oil companies are exploiting the crisis for excessive profits.
Key Events
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El Paso Times Headline — Public article reports 200 mpg on two gallons of gas.
Location: Newspaper Office
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Tom Ogle Disappearance — Article subject found dead, vehicle vanishes mysteriously.
Location: Desert Wasteland
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Katrina Energy Crisis — Natural disaster triggers sudden gasoline price surge.
Location: Gulf Coast Region
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Congressional Price Hearings — Lawmakers investigate oil company pricing strategies.
Location: Senate Chamber
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CEO Oath Avoidance — Committee chairman exempts CEOs from truth-swearing.
Location: Hearing Room
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Senator Smith Observation — Notes West Coast prices spike despite no Gulf crude.
Location: Capitol Hill
Congressional Hearings and Corporate Defense
Energy committee hearings expose corporate executives avoiding truth-swearing oaths while defending refinery closures. Lawmakers directly challenge Shell and Exxon on profit margins and domestic investment claims.
Key Events
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Senator Smith Observation — Notes West Coast prices spike despite no Gulf crude.
Location: Capitol Hill
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Chevron Capacity Statement — Chevron claims reduced capacity prevents profit increases.
Location: Corporate Press Room
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Pelosi Exposes Shell Closure — Pelosi proves Shell refinery closure claims are false.
Location: House Committee
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House Energy Session — May 2006 meeting focuses on Exxon profit reinvestment.
Location: Energy Committee Room
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Eshoo Questions Exxon — Rep Eshoo challenges Exxon domestic investment claims.
Location: Committee Floor
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Barton Dismisses Claim — Chairman Barton labels Eshoo's point a low blow.
Location: Committee Chair Desk
Political Influence and Public Doubt
The film reveals massive campaign donations from oil firms to both political parties, correlating with legislative bans on climate discussions. Public skepticism grows regarding executive ties to the energy sector.
Key Events
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Barton Dismisses Claim — Chairman Barton labels Eshoo's point a low blow.
Location: Committee Chair Desk
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Global Warming Ban — Barton officially removes global warming from discussion.
Location: Hearing Room
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Campaign Donation Reveal — Oil companies donated $199 million to both parties since 1990.
Location: Federal Election Database
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Gas Price Surge Analysis — Gas prices rise from $1.47 to $3.12 between 2001-2007.
Location: Economic Review Desk
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Public Executive Doubt — Citizens question oil industry ties to top executives.
Location: Street Interview
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Documentary Conclusion — Film ends highlighting systemic energy policy failures.
Location: Film Credits
