Why the USA MUST be the champion/inventors of alternative fuel

Much of our economic problems stem from the price of gas rising, it makes it more difficult for the average person to do business and the price of everyday gooods go up. So I believe it is of the utmost importance for us to put forth the best effort into creating new ways of transportation on both the individual scale and the mass transit. However, primarily on the individual scale because american's pride them selves on individualism and vehicles is a large part of this. While we could and in my opinion should drill more on land in alaska an some southern and mid western states, this would be an only temporary solution for a long term problem. If we look back in history it is because of our innovations in the scientific realm that has aloud us to continualy become greater as a nation. We must produce the new type of engine that is to become the new standard in consumer vehicles. This will bring us out of economic turmoil, produce jobs, and bring us back to the top of the food chain economicly.