Petroleum may power our cars, but it also contributes to birth defects and disorders like asthma and emphysema, not to mention cancer. In Lives Per Gallon, Terry Tamminen, former Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and Special Advisor to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. takes a hard look at these and other health, environmental, and security costs hidden in every barrel of oil.

The book presents a largely American perspective and assessment, but it will be of interest to policy makers and the non-specialists alike, because it is written in a style that is extremely pacy and reader-friendly.

Using the successful lawsuits by state governments against big tobacco as a model, the author sets forth a bold strategy to hold oil and auto companies accountable and force industry reform. He also offers a blueprint for developing alternative energy sources based on California's real-world experiences.