Comment Log Display

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008
To WHOM it may concern,

I have 3 suggestions that are interrelated and provide a
relatively rapid solution to the dependence this nation faces
regarding petroleum consumption and the air pollution crisis
(greenhouse gases) particularly in CA.  For over a decade, the
U.S. automobile manufactures have had the technology to produce
completely electric vehicles (General Motors, 1990's / EV-1) and
have chosen instead to produce gas guzzling SUV's. These decisions
have resulted in increasing the US dependence on foreign oil,
especially from the Middle-East (OPEC).

1.  If General Motors were provided US Government Tax Incentives
to begin production, within 2 years, of Electric Vehicles (EV-1),
with advanced battery technologies, for commute vehicles with a
range of 100 miles/day, would immediately lower oil consumption
demands by 30-40%.  If GM were to begin production, this would
also provide a boost to the sluggish economy as well.  Personally,
if a domestic manufacturer were to produce and sell, not lease,
these electric vehicles, I would finance & purchase one tomorrow.

2. Provide a Business Tax Incentives to stagger work schedules for
employees, in order to lessen the number of vehicles on the road
during commute hours (6-9 AM) & (4-7 PM). Fewer traffic jams, less
gasoline & electricity used.  Simply have people arrive to work in
2 hour blocks.  For example, some arriving at 8 AM & work til 4
PM, 10AM-6PM and Noon to 8.  Retailers have staggered employee
hours for years, why not other businesses?

3.  Provide Tax Incentives to Consumers to purchase and install
solar panels on all US homes in order to generate enough 
electricity to recharge the electric vehicles for commute
purposes. Adapting this approach would be similar to that of
Germany and would pay for itself in a matter of years.

These are certainly NOT new ideas, but the time has come to
implement some reasonable approach to solving our problems. Time
for TALK has ended, it's now time to ACT.  With the right type of
legislation and generous tax incentives for individuals and
businesses, the CA State & US Government can begin to enact laws &
guidelines as remedies for our "addiction to oil" (Pres. Bush).
I and the American people wait for your response. Pls. respond to
my thoughts with an acknowledgment that you received it, thank
you.          E-mail:   bud32252@yahoo.com
Sincerely, 
Walter A. Donaldson (Bud)
H.S. Teacher/Counselor (30 years)
Benicia, California 
PS.  If you haven't viewed the DOCUMENTARY, "WHO KILLED THE
ELECTRIC CAR?"  It is a must see to fully understand the problems
that we all now face, particularly in the state of California.