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The High Speed Passenger Rail Act, Draft 1
Arthur Smith, The Oil Drum
Energize America (as recently introduced to the Oil Drum) has been working on draft legislation to help America reach energy security in the face of peak oil and our over-dependence on the Middle East, and to address concerns about global warming through efficiency and energy alternative measures.
This week saw the delivery of several legislative proposals to Congress. Among the commentary and responses there has been one issue that stood out to me: increasing support for rail, both passenger and freight.
The following is a first draft of a new “High Speed Passenger Rail Act”, based on Act V – “The Passenger Rail Restoration Act” of Energize America version 5. The first portion consists of background information on the energy benefits and previous legislation, and the second is the actual proposed act. Your comments will help make this a more solid proposal that could make a real difference to the future of this nation! ..
(17 Mar 2007)
Also at Daily Kos.
Highway speed limit plan irks Germans
Geir Moulson, AP
An EU official called on Germany to give up the famous freedom of its highways and impose speed limits on the autobahn to fight global warming – a demand that drew angry responses on Sunday in a country that cherishes what it calls “free driving for free citizens.”
The call came as the German government makes action against climate change a priority of its current presidencies of the EU and Group of Eight.
Still, the German environment minister showed little enthusiasm for EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas’ suggestion and a group representing the country’s auto industry said it needed “no coaching on efficient climate protection from Brussels.”
Many stretches of German autobahn lack speed limits – traditionally a cherished freedom in a rule-bound country. However, the growing concern over carbon dioxide emissions is putting that tradition under renewed scrutiny.
(11 March 2007)
Return of the Electric Car (audio and video)
Janaia Donaldson, Peak Moment via GPM
Otmar Ebenhoech has worked with electric vehicles for decades, watching as popular commercial EVs were developed, then recalled when their legal mandate was overturned. He sees improved battery technologies as the critical factor for viable future EVs. Peek under the hood and watch a test drive of his hot electric Porsche race car conversion (0-60 in less than 5 seconds!). Episode 52.
Janaia Donaldson hosts Peak Moment, a television series emphasizing positive responses to energy decline and climate change through local community action.
(14 March 2007)
Transport issues prompt voters rethink
Yahoo
More than 60 per cent of people in a marginal NSW seat say this week’s Sydney transport problems will prompt them to change their vote.
A Seven Network poll has found 61 per cent of voters in the marginal seat of Miranda, in Sydney’s south, will change their vote after the train breakdown on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Wednesday night.
The incident crippled the city’s northern and western train lines, leaving up to 4,000 passengers stranded inside carriages for hours.
In another marginal seat, Penrith, in Sydney’s west, 20 per cent of voters said they would change their ballot based on Wednesday’s incident.
Seven also reported that 27 per cent of people in Miranda said they would not vote at all, while 17 per cent of people in Penrith expressed the same sentiment.
(17 Mar 2007)
Hardly a rigorous survey but the very next day.. Mayor calls for transport summit.
