Comments on: The Alternative Energy Bandwagon http://www.joetaxpayer.com/the-alternative-energy-bandwagon/ Financial Commentary For The Average Joe Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:23:50 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: buck http://www.joetaxpayer.com/the-alternative-energy-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-30606 buck Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:47 +0000 http://www.blog.joetaxpayer.com/?p=190#comment-30606 The green revolution is a joke. While solar and renewable energy sources will find small niches to thrive, they are thermodynamically inefficient and costly. I believe a read in a trade magazine that "green energy" sources provide less than 5% of our nations energy, there are close to 135,000 people employed therein. Coal, on the other hand, employs over 65,000 employees and provides 51% of our nations energy at a 70% cost savings. Green cannot compete in the marketplace without massive subsidies. The green revolution is a joke. While solar and renewable energy sources will find small niches to thrive, they are thermodynamically inefficient and costly. I believe a read in a trade magazine that “green energy” sources provide less than 5% of our nations energy, there are close to 135,000 people employed therein. Coal, on the other hand, employs over 65,000 employees and provides 51% of our nations energy at a 70% cost savings. Green cannot compete in the marketplace without massive subsidies.

]]> By: JOE http://www.joetaxpayer.com/the-alternative-energy-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-705 JOE Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:34:29 +0000 http://www.blog.joetaxpayer.com/?p=190#comment-705 It is happening. I am just hopeful the momentum accelerates, instead of the alternative. A small part of me is inclined to call for yet higher taxes on gas, but that position would be unpopular, as it would impact those who can least afford it. I'm more sympathetic to the guy driving his Taurus to work than the SUV drivers, but the pain has higher impact on those with lower incomes. I know what I'd like to see in 5-10 years: A battery technology closer to the theoretical limits, providing an electric car with a 250-300 mile range, combined with a fast charge, less than 1 hour. Solar and wind power providing X% of our home needs. Exact % up for debate. Joe It is happening. I am just hopeful the momentum accelerates, instead of the alternative. A small part of me is inclined to call for yet higher taxes on gas, but that position would be unpopular, as it would impact those who can least afford it. I’m more sympathetic to the guy driving his Taurus to work than the SUV drivers, but the pain has higher impact on those with lower incomes. I know what I’d like to see in 5-10 years: A battery technology closer to the theoretical limits, providing an electric car with a 250-300 mile range, combined with a fast charge, less than 1 hour. Solar and wind power providing X% of our home needs. Exact % up for debate.
Joe

]]> By: Dave Shafer http://www.joetaxpayer.com/the-alternative-energy-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-691 Dave Shafer Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:40:44 +0000 http://www.blog.joetaxpayer.com/?p=190#comment-691 People are driving less miles. And taking public transportation more often. In Boston the "T" ridership has gone up over 50%. Low mileage SUV's are essentially worthless, with dealers refusing them as trade ins. High mileage hybrids are selling at a much higher rate and in the case of the Prius has a 9 month wait. Wind power plants are coming on line at a record rate. Roof top solar panels gaining steam. In other words it is happening. Only question is if it keeps accelerating or people get use to the high prices and go back to old habits. People are driving less miles. And taking public transportation more often. In Boston the “T” ridership has gone up over 50%. Low mileage SUV’s are essentially worthless, with dealers refusing them as trade ins. High mileage hybrids are selling at a much higher rate and in the case of the Prius has a 9 month wait. Wind power plants are coming on line at a record rate. Roof top solar panels gaining steam.

In other words it is happening. Only question is if it keeps accelerating or people get use to the high prices and go back to old habits.

]]>