Letter to the Editor: Pump the Brakes on Green Energy

I believe most Americans want to preserve our environment and are willing to make a reasonable sacrifice to do so.

The current national policy, that of moving at warp speed toward green energy and renewable sources of energy will, in my opinion, move the United States from a respected super-power to a whimpering national begging for the energy crumbs of other emerging nations.

In the past three years we have witnessed our nation dropping from the ranks of energy independence to a nation begging for energy on the international market.

It is unfair to expect Americans to purchase an electric car, at huge expense compared to gas-powered vehicles. Then have them drag an extension cord from their 3rd floor apartment window to their assigned slot on the parking lot, just to charge their vehicle’s battery on those days when a top off charge is needed.

There is a place for the use of electric vehicles. Local delivery vans, postal vehicles, school buses and public transportation are a perfect fit.

Another issue is the loss of road tax. Currently each gallon of gasoline has a “road” tax added. Electric vehicles do not currently have a specific road tax. The subsequent loss of road tax will mean fewer dollars for road construction and repairs. Don’t get all excited just yet, I am certain our politicians are already working on a means to track the mileage of electric vehicles so that a per mile tax can be imposed. I have even heard rumors of electric vehicle tracking devices to document miles driven.

Just think of the cost of transitioning the United States military or even the Postal Service to electric vehicles. Not to mention, there are not enough natural resources to manufacture the batteries, or enough power in the electric grid to support the transition to electric powered vehicles.

Although a noble national goal, the nation’s infrastructure is not yet ready for fully electric transportation.

—R. Gary Strebeck, Middle River