[Iris7]

You asked, "How does that impact the individual consumer as relates to prices paid, jobs lost, etc.? How long will it take?" That depends on how you go about it. A multi-generational approach would be less disruptive, if the project could be kept on track. The economy would have to be rebuilt nearly from scratch, with existing assets being used as salvage. As they are anyway! (over time)

It would be a big job, plenty of work for everybody. I see no reason that adequate food, shelter, clothing, and health care would need to be sacrificed if we make this change. If we wait to do it until we are forced to make the change from the "Oil Age" then the sacrifices will likely be bitter.

[MEGoody]

"A multi-generational approach would be less disruptive."

Great, I have no issues with finding new technologies that would reduce our dependence on oil (as long as the average familiy's budget isn't busted just to be able to afford a car to drive to work).

But you still haven't answered the question about how you would handle the Iraq problem. I'll presume you don't have an answer. :)