The free market relies on people making their own decisions based on market prices, etc. etc. Businesses attempt to influence people's decisions via sales & advertising. Governments attempt to influence people's decisions via regulation & taxes.

Suppose the gov't had foreknowledge of an oil shortage in 10-15 years, and knew that it would result in a collapse of the transportation infrastructure of our society. With an understanding that it will take an enormous amount of money and time to make the changes necessary to survive this catastrophe, the gov't might try to influence people's decisions, trying to get them to buy more economical cars. At the same time they might fund research into more fuel efficient technologies, and try to get the car makers to implement them as soon as possible. Car makers might resist because they collect enormous revenues selling cars that guzzle gas.

Why not just tell people? They would probably get the same reaction I get on this bbs. Disbelief. Life is good after all. They would also risk creating a small population of fanatics. Although from what I've seen that wouldn't happen at all.