"Unfortunately, it's high prices that cause people to be careful about energy use," said Jay Hakes, who lived in Grand Rapids as a child and is director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta.


Hakes will speak three places locally Thursday and Friday about his first book, "A Declaration of Energy Independence: The American Presidency and the Energy Crisis in the 21st Century."

Among his seven recommendations for regaining independence: a tax on fuel and rebates to all Americans, including those who don't drive.