By Kerri Pepoy,Staff Writer

NORWAY – An ad hoc group of Oxford Hills residents concerned about a possible future shortage of fossil fuels will meet Thursday to discuss ideas to preserve energy and the environment.

The Running on Empty group will gather at the Norway Memorial Library beginning at 7 p.m.

“The world is running out of fossil fuels,” Tom Whitney, a South Paris resident and the group’s secretary, said in a recent interview. “That is going to change the economy, our government policy, and our way of life.”

The group already has met a couple of times to explore ways to adapt to what they see as a changed way of life forced by a fossil fuel shortage. Whitney said he hopes other area residents join them Thursday and become involved in the issue to inform people about an energy shortage and how they should adapt to it, such as growing their own food, cutting wood as a heat source, and depending less on cars for transportation.

Whitney said the group’s discussions have been stimulated by a book written by Waterford resident John Howe titled “The End of Fossil Fuels and a Plan for Sustainability.” In the book, Howe describes a looming shortage of oil, natural gas and coal.

Whitney said so far the group gatherings have been small. “We had about 20 people who came to the first one and seven or eight the last time,” he said. He said he hopes that as word spreads about the group’s mission, more people will get involved.

The group may receive support from Jan Kubiac of Albany Township, who said Friday she would like to join forces with Running on Empty.

Kubiac and Kim Patnode of Bethel recently launched a new series at Norway Memorial Library that emphasizes the relationship between sustainable living and affordable housing. Maine speakers are invited to the library to explain a variety of topics from solar rebates to structures built with foundations made of reclaimed tires.

Kubiac said Howe will be the featured speaker at the library Dec. 15.

“I’m a big supporter of grassroots efforts,” Kubiac said. “Grassroots efforts affect the big picture.” She said she has spoken to Whitney about how they can combine efforts to teach people how to adapt their lifestyles to an energy shortage and what to do before the country faces one, particularly in their homes.

“Oil is not a renewable resource,” she said. “We can inform people about making sure their houses are weatherized, making sure they have curtains hung, making sure all proper caulking is done. If people reduce energy consumption, that’s a good thing.”