What can we do locally?

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Permalink Reply by David DeZan on January 7, 2009 at 6:08pm

Hi Brent,

You bring up many valid points but let me address a few issues:

1) Of course cheap, abundant energy is not our right. However, we have to make harnessing energy cheaper. The only way to do that is mass production and investment into the technologies (wind, solar, nuclear, etc). Only this will break the dependence on foreign oil. We need an efficient alternative energy market.

2) I don't really want the government (or anyone else for that matter) to tell me, Deval Patrick or you how big of a house you should be able to live in or what type of car you should drive. This is America, not the Soviet Union; it's not a matter of "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs". That being said, it's people living beyond their means that has gotten us into trouble. It's peoples ignorance of their impact on the environment and their unwillingness to compromise that is holding us back. I don't think there is any simple way around this problem except education and sometimes that education comes painfully (e.g., extreme fuel prices and the current financial disaster).

Even Boone himself could serve as a better example, sure he's got Honda that runs on NG but don't ask him about the size of his house or the fact that he uses his private jet to make most of the meetings he goes to. He could take commercial flights and utilize green technologies at home that take him off the grid (maybe he does, I'm not sure).

My main point is, let he who is without sin (e.g., an energy glutton) cast the first stone (or in this case, wind turbine blade) :)

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Brent Byers on January 7, 2009 at 7:06pm

Very valid points and I do agree that government should not dictate our lives.

I do however think that government should "lead" and through the use of luxury tax's and gas guzzling tax's help to encourage people to do the right thing...

Talk to you soon!

Brent

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Permalink Reply by David DeZan on January 9, 2009 at 10:31am

I agree. Although I would use the carrot and stick approach. In addition to taxing those who waste energy, reward those who utilize energy efficient technologies by giving them tax incentives and/or credits. Encourage banks (again through tax incentives) to lend (responsibly) to businesses and individuals who are buying and/or funding energy projects, hybrid vehicles, home improvement, etc. I know that this is done even now but they should expand the programs or make it so the retailers/suppliers can give you the money off up front instead of waiting till you file your taxes. In fact I purchased a hybrid SUV nearly two years ago, got the tax credit, and was very happy during the crazy gas prices earlier.

I see from your photo that you're a skier (or snowboarder)... I snowboard and my six year old daughter is learning to ski... Have a great season!

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Pete Jalajas on February 26, 2009 at 11:55am

Hi Brent and David,

I need to replace my old Ford Explorer SUV. I would love to get a natural-gas powered vehicle of some sort. But I can only do that if I can find such a fuel dealer within a reasonable driving distance of Newburyport. Any ideas welcome!

Thanks,
Pete

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