2. Fix our mass transit system for both freight and passengers. When you consider rail in terms of energy, steel wheels on steel rails are some 10 times as efficient as rubber on roads. A real rail program could probably have the single greatest impact on our oil consumption and on the release of carbon dioxide. A single locomotive run by two men can haul the same amount of freight as 70 modern semitrailer truck rigs with 70 drivers. One passenger train can take 1,000 cars off the road.
3. Raise fuel economy standards for new cars and trucks immediately.
4. Substantially increase the gas tax, offsetting it with other tax cuts to induce people to buy fuel-efficient vehicles.
5. Pursue alternative energy technologies within the limits of the market.
Such measures as these would send a signal to the world that the United States is no longer putting its fate fully in the hands of foreign nations and that we are determined to reduce the financial drain costing us at least $300 billion a year. None of this will happen without a sensible compromise among liberals, conservatives, and environmentalists. We simply cannot afford a political system that is incapable of addressing such a critical national issue. In other words, we need real leadership in Washington.
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Carla Baker-McCutchen of KS 6:09PM August 27, 2008
L Collins of MO 3:34PM July 28, 2008
Carl F. Barnhart of CA 10:44PM July 24, 2008