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Comment 61 for Transportation Comments for the GHG Scoping Plan (sp-transport-ws) - 1st Workshop.
First Name: Joyce M
Last Name: Eden
Email Address: comment@sonic.net
Affiliation: West Valley Citizens Air Watch
Subject: Greenhouse Gas Sector 1. Transportation
Comment:
GHG Greenhouse Gas Sectors: GHG 1. Transportation West Valley Citizens Air Watch (WVCAW) Comments: a. The development of high-speed rail lines could and should include solar panels lining the publicly owned right of way, except at crossings, and wind turbines where appropriate. These two nonpolluting, renewable generators of electricity could thus be tied directly into generating electricity for powering the trains themselves along their routes. Use of electricity close to its point of generation, eliminates loses through transport. Calculations would need to be made, but it is highly probable that this scenario could generate all the electricity the trains would need to run, and probably much extra to go into the grid. It is urged that this be initiated, held and used as public power, not as private, stockholder, or public-private partnership power. A mechanism such as the issuance of bonds could fund this public benefit undertaking. In the middle and long run, this will greatly benefit both the people of California and its environment and create stable jobs. b. The contribution of GHG and toxic air contaminant (TAC) emissions from diesel trucks is enormous in California and is known by the State of California as a significant contributor to the increasing amounts of asthma, cancer and heart attacks. A good use of carbon fees will be to retrofit diesel trucks especially high numbers of diesel trucks trips in populated areas, such as ship yard docks (e.g. West Oakland) and cement quarry and kiln operations (e.g. Hanson Quarry and kiln in Santa Clara County). c. Photovoltaic system rebates and subsidies for homeowners, small businesses, small farms, school districts and municipalities will create onsite plug-in opportunities for the upcoming electric automobiles resulting in a potential significant decrease in GHG and air pollutants. (see also the larger discussion on solar in Sector 3.)
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Date and Time Comment Was Submitted: 2008-08-04 11:47:00
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