In Japan, young adults prefer public transportation to the expense of owning an auto, and no longer view cars as the ultimate status symbol . Rather, the younger generation has shifted its interest from cars to the allure of communication tools like personal computers, mobile phones and services.
Add comment December 30th, 2008
A major victory in the war on coal brought to you by the NRDC.
Today, BofA released its revised coal policy, which will have the immediate effect of curtailing commercial lending to companies that mine coal by blowing off the top of mountains. The policy states, in part:
Bank of America is particularly concerned about surface mining conducted through mountain top removal in locations such as central Appalachia. We therefore will phase out financing of companies whose predominant method of extracting coal is through mountain top removal. While we acknowledge that surface mining is economically efficient and creates jobs, it can be conducted in a way that minimizes environmental impacts in certain geographies.
Why is this significant? Consider that Bank of America stands as a pillar of our country’s shaky financial system. In fact, the trying economic crisis has only served to strengthen this behemoth bank while other once proud and stable institutions fall by the wayside. All the more reason to engage BofA in using its investment power and influence to affect positive environmental change.
Add comment December 4th, 2008
Add comment December 3rd, 2008
Immediate government investment is needed to jump start economic recovery and speed the arrival of an economy powered with clean and secure sources of energy. The U.S. cannot count on future economic growth unless the federal government moves ahead now with the important structural transformations necessary for a low-carbon economy.
Add comment December 2nd, 2008
Add comment December 2nd, 2008
Now Ireland is laying plans to convert to electric vehicles.
This article claims that a third of Ireland’s carbon emissions come from vehicles. Here in Washington State over half of our carbon emissions are produced by the transportation sector.
Imagine what would happen if Washington State decided to embrace electric cars. The state would create jobs and increase revenue as the necessary infrastructure is put in place. Plus, the conversion to electric cars would reduce the state’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The Irish government has announced radical plans to introduce more than 250,000 electric cars onto the nation’s roads by 2020, a staggering ten percent of the total vehicles in the country.
If the scheme is successful, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the state energy agency, estimates an annual cut in CO2 emissions of around 350,000 tonnes. Transport currently accounts for more than a third of Ireland’s carbon emissions, higher than any other sector.
Add comment December 1st, 2008
Let’s see now.
California is gearing up to make the cities of San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland the epicentre of an electric car revolution.
The plan to create the infrastructure required for a fully functioning electric vehicle society was announced just last week by each of the three cities’ mayors. The policies will provide incentives to employers to install EV chargers in their buildings, expedite battery changing facilities, install electrical outlets in all government buildings, promote the purchase of EVs, and improve local regulations and standards. The total cost of the program is expected to amount to around one billion dollars, and California’s government will be teaming up with the electric transportation company Better Place to install the required infrastructure.
Governor Ted Kulongosk wants to replace Oregon’s $1,500 hybrid tax credit with a $5,000 electric vehicle credit.
And what is Washington State doing to get its residents into electric cars?
As far as I can tell, a whole lot of nothing.
Add comment November 30th, 2008
Add comment November 17th, 2008
We, the people, chose Barack Obama as the next President of the United States.
Washington State residents decided to put Chris Gregoire back in the governor’s mansion.
Peter Goldmark will be the next Washington State Lands Commissioner.
And the Seattle metropolitan area said yes to rail and regional mass transit.
Add comment November 7th, 2008
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