Rich Garling’s Blog

A post from my campaign blog on gas prices and alternative fuels…

I’m sure most of you are aware that we have a huge problem with the rising cost of energy. I know I’m paying too much at the gas pump. And it’s pretty sad when today we consider a price of $4.10/gal to be a good price. I drive a hybrid which is getting 45 mpg. I have seen or read about different hybrid types being offered. Some run on alternative fuels such as E85 (85% alcohol/15% gasoline). Problem I have is that the alcohol is derived from food crops and in spite of the commercial you hear/see on the air, the feed corn used to make the fuel also is used to many different products. The price of those other products is rising, such as a loaf of bread, which is not a good thing. There are other means we could use to power our cars such as hydrogen, natural gas, wind and solar. I just saw a film clip sent to me by a friend that suggests we could use wind power as a substitute for natural gas, use the natural gas to power our automobiles which would help cut our usage of foreign oil. Here is the link: Pickens Plan . It’s an interesting suggestion. One thing for sure is that we cannot last very long on overpriced oil that pollutes our air. The State of Illinois can do it’s part by investing in a fleet of electrically assisted hybrid cars that would use less fuel, pollute less and cost less in the long run. While E85 may benefit our farmers, it hurts other parts of our economy. The Pickens plan suggests using a more sensible approach with existing alternatives. We have an abundance of natural gas in this country and we live in one of the best wind corridors going right through the middle of the country. Illinois happens to be part of that corridor. Lets be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Tags: Environment //