Time to Save Gas Letter to the Editor

Subject: Letters to the Editor

Date: Wed, 1 Oct 2008 21:51:25 -0500

Publication:Waukesha Freeman (Conley)

Letters to the Editor 

The editor: With all the gnashing of teeth and wringing of hands about the high cost of gasoline, you would think

that this country would have taken some concrete steps toward gasoline conservation by now. These steps would

make a difference and move us toward a more sustainable transportation policy. No additional offshore drilling

in this country. Allow gas prices float depending on demand. As it becomes more expensive to drill for oil,

it will become more expensive to drive and individuals will ask for and then use alternatives. High gas prices

level the transportation playing field and this will encourage a transition to newer transportation technologies

quicker. Putting off the inevitable, and making our grandchildren deal with it, is not a solution.

One-hundred percent of highway funds should be put into maintaining this country transportation infrastructure.

This includes ALL forms of transportation including trains, bicycle lanes, roads,airports etc.

A future with a balanced transportation system will rely less on roads. And all roads would include bicycle lanes.

Extended tax incentives for buying real hybrids that get more than 30 or 40 miles per gallon will also help.

All new cars sold in the country should be required to include technology that turns off the car=92s engine when

it idles at stop lights and stop signs. Waiting for automobile manufacturers to do this voluntarily is a pipe dream.

In addition, all new cars should be required to have a digital dashboard graphic that will show fuel consumption in

real time increments. There is a real disconnect between what is paid at the pump and our driving habits

impact on gas mileage. A fuel consumption graphic meter would appeal to each driver competitive nature and

result in lighter driving, which will translate into better gas mileage.

With a new president in 2009 there will be an opportunity to finally get out of the starting gate on saving gas.

The right mix of market pressure and political pressure will assure that things move more quickly and in the

right direction. Without a new transportation strategy, we are destined to head down a road that we just can't afford.

A culture dependent on the gasoline-powered automobile alone is not sustainable, we know that now.

And now we need to act. If we transition to a new system soon, we can do it with minimum pain. Whether it is by auto,

train, bus, bike or plane, there need to be options available. The alternative will leave us stranded in our driveways!

Allen Stasiewski, president

Bob Meurer, transportation action representative

Waukesha County Environmental Action League