In a message dated 3/15/02 7:54:39 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> On electric & hybrid cars: > Electric cars, besides being slow and having a limited travel range > between charges, are not really that ecological. It takes copious > amounts of electricity to power them. Electric rates have soared- > and most US electric power is made in oil-fired plants (nuclear is next), > so they are still using oil. And anytime you convert one type of > energy to another, you waste power, since no conversion process > is anywhere near 100% efficient. Now me: Having worked in the energy industry for over twenty years and having been involved in countless emerging alternative energy technology projects, Randy hit the nail right on the head. Natural gas vehicles aren't the answer either, but a mere stepping stone toward the ultimate answer. One point of clarification, I am not certain about other states, although dual fuel (oil and natural gas), most California power plants rely on natural gas as a fuel to meet our stringent air quality regulations. This just furthers the problem of exhausting fossil fuels. Randy also mentioned fuel cells and hydrogen power. Right on again, my friend. We will see fuel cells as a viable everyday alternative in our future (okay, the GenXers will) and that is the ultimate answer to the energy debate in my mind. Viable, yet today, prohibitively expensive technology. My firm allocates $2 million annually toward development of fuel cell technology. If you run across a firm with the secret to economically feasible fuel cell technology -- buy their stock. You could be the next Microsoft millionaire! The best source on alternative energy is our own US Department of Energy. I work closely with the DOE on several projects and am consistently impressed with the passionate dedication to alternatives and renewables of many in its employ. DOE's web site also has scads of information. No regrets, Coyote Rick Casa Alegre Hollywood, California "Only fools are afraid to be burned by fire..."
