Comment Log Display

Dear ARB—

A significant amount of GHG emissions are produced by trucks and
trains, and it is important to develop low-carbon substitutes for
petroleum diesel.  Because diesel motors last for decades and
represent a big investment, there is likely to be strong resistance
to a rapid shift to fuel cells or electrified rail systems other
than for classification yards.  A low-GHG fuel that can be used in
existing equipment is preferable.  Many options are available,
including ammonia which is well known to agriculture.  

Active transportation that relies on bicycles and transit is
gaining users much too slowly.  The Swiss, Canadians, and many
American transit operators have discovered that the main barrier to
wider use of transit is not dispersed users, but the lack of a fare
card.  Where most people have transit passes, and service is
frequent, and the network is well coordinated, ridership is high. 
Where bicycle/pedestrian pathways are common and safe, they tend to
be well used.  The amount of Greenhouse Gas Reduction funds devoted
to transit and to bicycles should at least be doubled, and focused
on developing tightly coordinated systems.
https://www.jtlu.org/index.php/jtlu/article/view/346

Businesses and members of the public can be strongly influenced to
reduce oil use by visible price signals.  But we need to be
reminded of the money and time that we often waste by our reliance
on congestion-prone cars.  Auto manufacturers spend lavishly to
advertise their products next to refreshing mountain lakes where
the air is clear.  Please find ways to counter such messages with
humorous parodies.  And encourage cities to charge for auto
parking.

My wife and I have enjoyed driving our Prius for eleven years, and
plan soon to buy a car like the Volt, that runs longer in
battery-only mode.  Our plan is to expand our rooftop solar
electric system to recharge the car, but we need to know that
charging stations are also widely available in strip malls and at
motels.    

We were very disappointed to see the Western States Petroleum
Association’s campaign against the target for a 50% reduction in
petroleum use by 2030.  We realize that the target is likely to
become more aggressive—a 50% reduction by 2025 would be more
consistent with the science.  Our health and our trees will benefit
from a rapid reduction of GHG emissions.  

Thank you for this opportunity to comment.
Steve Birdlebough
684 Benicia Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 
707-576-6632