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  • From: Ron Thigpen <rthigpen AT nc.rr.com>
  • To: InterNetWorkers <internetworkers AT franklin.metalab.unc.edu>
  • Subject: Re: Clean Smokestacks
  • Date: Wed, 12 Jun 2002 15:57:41 -0400


i'd have to agree with you that effective, clean PT would be likely to provide air quality benefits to the triangle. motor vehicles are after all major polluters.

i'm not sure i agree that it's the only way to improve the air here.

as i understand it, compliance with the smokestacks bill should provide some benefits locally, around the state, and in the region. it's reported that these pollutants end up affecting a very wide area. the problems out in the smokies are largely caused by pollution originating elsewhere. it would also be easier for NC to claim some high ground in reduction talks with neighboring states.

i'm also a bit skeptical that PT would yield big improvements in the immediate timeframe. there are just to many factors that take time: gov't agreements, investment, buildout, ridership growth, development around stations, etc. air quality improvements as a result of clean PT will take time.

given the built nature of the triangle (jobs one place, homes elsewhere) i would hate to see all of hopes pinned on this solution.

clean air will require action many fronts: energy efficiency (cars and homes), technology improvements (compact flourescents, fuel cells, clean diesels), positive and negative incentives (CAFE, gas taxes, solar tax credits) and, of course, education.

updating our coal-fired power plants would seem to be part of that mix. everything i've read indicates that this would be a good step in the right direction, and at reasonable cost.

as you are presumably well informed on this issue, i'm interested in your opinion. are you in favor of this bill or no, and for what reasons?

--rt








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