How hard would it be to make all the RIPTA vehicles run on CNG or LNG??
RIPTA has already transfered some of their buses to run on CNG but that only makes up a small percent. 215 out of the 240 vehicles in service still run on diesel.
History will record 2007 as the tipping point for energy and environmental considerations by world leaders and policymakers. Every day it becomes more apparent that the rapid increasing use of coal and oil in a “business as usual” scenario is unsustainable. Today’s leading economist share a belief that continued dependence upon oil and coal could lead to economic contradictions and social costs equivalent to the great depression and both world wars. The globalization of the economy has brought about a globalized pollution. In my opinion the next possible step for more efficient energy sources the world will have to turn to the use of natural gas. Contrary to popular opinion, natural gas is globally abundant. Contrasted against years of misreporting and misunderstanding, America’s abundance of natural gas is truly one of the greatest stories never told.
To the average consumer alternative fuels may seem somewhat more expensive but I believe lower cost are on the horizon. We are looking at a time in the near future when it should cost around 80 cents to produce a gallon of cellulosic ethanol and similar prices for natural gas. Our unhealthy reliance on other nations is just poor policy. Natural gas should never be included with coal and oil as just another “fossil fuel,” because coal and oil are part of the problem and natural gas is the solution. It leaves our political and domestic future at the mercy of some of the most unscrupulous and volatile people on the face of the earth. The true energy independence of the United States must entail doing whatever it takes to avoid standing on the sidelines while we watch oil serve as the instrument of despotic leverage and foreign chaos.
During the energy crisis of the 1970s, Americans indicated their willingness to switch to alternative fuels. Then as technology became available, the Saudis countered by dropping the price of oil. Soon, the nation was addicted to foreign energy all over again, with plans for foreign alternative fuel sources put on the shelf.
The reality of the matter is, natural gas is the world most reliable transnational energy resources. Natural gas should be a long term energy solution. This form of energy produces 50% less carbon dioxide emission than coal and 25% less than gasoline.
wal-marthealth careWal-Mart has received a lot of flack for being a horrible unethical business but I disagree with this ideology. The company has been a blessing to many low-income families by providing affordable merchandise. I know during my college years, being a flat broke college student, Wal-Mart has been a blessing. My dorm room is completely furnished in Wal-Mart merchandise. Wal-Mart has everything; food, clothing, cosmetics, entertainment, medication, living needs, etc.
As politicians toil away with trying to get an affordable health care plan for Americans, Wal-Mart is making the dream a reality. Before we cast Wal-Mart as the devil’s store think a little bit before you say that!
Even though I have been trying to get into Rhode Island politics and move away from my families shadow in Massachusetts I will always have a soft spot for Cape Cod. This Tuesday night there will be two town wide votes in Yarmouth that are particularly concerning to me. The first concerns town officials putting fluoride in the town water supply. The other relates to a budget cut which would shut down LCM and layoff 100 teachers. Both these issues are particularly vital. Everyone who is a resident of Yarmouth I urge you to turn out and vote regarding these matters.
