Jacki’s whereIstand Blog

Given the tension between states and the federal government on local regulations on fuel economy standards, I sense imminent Supreme Court review.

whereIstand Tags

• Is global warming a problem that humans must take actions to address?

This started as a comment to Terp’s piece on oil prices.  I find its significance too great for a comment.

From Terp:

I own an SUV. I find it essential. living in this snowy region of the country. And when environmentalists condemn SUV owners and suggest (That’s putting it mildly.) that we all sell our gas guzzlers and purchase smart cars, I can’t help but wonder if they have not spent their whole lives residing in a city - where public transportation is a norm, and there are always folks living near them with whom to carpool - oh, and only sparse sightings of significant snowfall.

You have to admit there is a vast middle ground between owning an SUV and owning a hybrid.  You are talking in extremes.  You can take steps to minimize consumption in ways other than carpooling or owning a hybrid. 

Look at this objectively, you have two cars, one of which is an SUV.  If you absolutely have to have two cars maybe you might downsize to a wagon or sedan instead of the SUV.  Granted, you and your partner may have different directions to go in and different schedules requiring two cars, but must one vehicle be an SUV?  My point is not to judge but to suggest that sacrifice may be more necessary than you realize.

People all over the world are rethinking their transportation methods.  Cycling is on the move.  The same is true for motor scooters.  (For Terp: no one expects you ride a bike in the snow, so don’t even try it.)   Not surprisingly, Americans are still reluctant to replace their vehicles for scooters.  Terp is a perfect example.  Americans have a million reasons for not conserving:  "I travel too far. " "The weather is too severe." or "I need extra space." 

At the very least, some Americans can use alternative means of transportation like scooters during the more temperate climates.  Then, return to their more traditional vehicles when the weather turns. 

I do not think driving your SUV "only to work" is that effective in terms of conservation.  I’m not assured when you say: 

I do my part by driving my SUV (Our other car is a tiny sedan.) only to work (a short commute).  When we separate from the military (and return to city life back East) I’ll down-size. And, I expect those who complain about the cost of oil on a consistent basis to do so as well.  As for now, I’ll continue to pay nearly $50 at the pump to get to point B. 

Because I live in an urban setting, I have more flexibility with transportation and perhaps that makes me more aware of the need for conservation.  I can see tangible ways to reduce my consumption.  But I still make sacrifices - like walk to the train instead of taking the bus or take my bike or catch a ride with my husband (who has to drive because of the equipment he uses, unfortunately).

So I’m not so much tuned out to your struggles in the suburbs but I expect you to overcome them in as many small ways as you can.  Owning two cars, one of which is an SUV and complaining about filling up the tank seems crazy to me!  At the very least, do yourself a favor and save the gas money!!!

whereIstand Tags

• Terp
• [open thread]
• [open thread]

The federal government has yet to allocate funds to repair the levees in lower Plaquemines Parish.  It seems that the community will not survive unless the levees are repaired.  From the WP:

On one side are levees about 20 feet high holding out the Gulf; on the other side of the town, within view just a few hundred yards away, are similar earthen mounds holding out the Mississippi River.

Those levees will continue to provide some protection, but not enough to meet the flood insurance standards, which call for levees that would hold out water in a flood that has only a 1 percent chance of happening any given year. The Plaquemines Parish levees are as much as eight feet too low in places, officials said.

Some scientists believe that roughly 20 square miles of Louisiana’s coast is lost annually as the result of erosion.  This with the looming threat of floodwaters and hurricanes threatens these and many other small communities in Plaquemines Parish. 

The federal government has not revealed an official stance on whether repairing the levees in Plaquemines Parish is worth the estimated $1.6 billion. 

whereIstand Tags

• Is global warming a problem that humans must take actions to address?

Today, I, like many New Yorkers, ventured over the Brooklyn Bridge to my office in downtown Manhattan.  My trek was a short, invigorating walk, one that I have taken many times over the years.  To my surprise, I encountered the Red Cross at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge.  The organization was dispensing hot cocoa for the would-be commuters from their Red Cross "Disaster Relief" truck.

This is Day 3 of the Transit Strike, no one walking over the Brooklyn Bridge should be taken by surprise.  There are at least a dozen spots to purchase coffee or cocoa along the way between Brooklyn and Manhattan.  In fact, people crossing the Bridge might even consider brewing a pot of coffee in their own kitchens before making their trip. 

I was one of the lucky New Yorkers that only had to walk a few miles.  There are others who must walk to Midtown or Upper Manhattan, or perhaps to the outerboroughs.  But still, in light of the tragedies we have witnessed over the past year the Red Cross’ efforts seemed misplaced.  To treat the Transit Strike as a "disaster" seems wrong. 

I did not make a monetary contribution to the Red Cross in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  I chose to contribute goods to smaller, local organizations.  I also donated money to AmeriCares and to BlackAmericaweb.com.  I will never know if my money was well spent.  For those who donated to the Red Cross, I wonder if they are puzzled by the organization’s use of funds in New York City today.  I know that I am.

whereIstand Tags

• Are available resources being used wisely under the circumstances?