Solutions for our planet.

Let me begin by being clear about my position on global warming, Al Gore notwithstanding. Currently the evidence presented on both sides of the issue is far from conclusive. If one were to review data collected from both perspectives you would quite literally be able to find a counterpoint to every point.

The subject is in fact something I am very interested in and intrigued by, however at the present time I can not currently say that I believe or disbelieve in global warming. I can however most assuredly say that I do not believe it to be at or near crisis stage.

If one were to do any amount of research you would find more evidence of cyclic weather and seismic events then you would any discernable pattern of warming attributable solely to humans. Leastways not that hasn't been occurring naturally for several millennia.

All that being said, whether or not global warming exists or doesn't in no way gives us (humans) license to behave irresponsibly with the planet. We have advanced a great deal, and we can and do have the potential to use and invent technologies to better protect and control what we do to our environment. In fact it is our responsibility to do so.

One thing I notice throughout the entire debate regardless of the side you are on, is that it nearly always seems to become a political and financial impact debate. Those in power in the government spend more time giving the reason why NOT then why NOW. One of the hot issues on this topic is infrastructure.

With regards to green vehicles and reducing emissions, it is always said that the technology is too expensive and we lack the infrastructure to support it cost effectively for the average (not wealthy) person. Having given the topic a great deal of thought, I think a workable solution is rather simple, with the potential for international cooperation.

The United States could take a leadership role by passing a federal law that requires all state and federal government agencies switch to hybrid, alternate fuel, or electric vehicles by a specific date, over a period of years. Ideally less than 10 years. Allowances would be made for certain types of emergency service vehicles,(ambulances, fire trucks, and some  police vehicles.) until the technology was absolutely as reliable as internal combustion options, to ensure public safety.

The military forces of all nations would be exempted of course until alternatives that can support the missions were developed.

Immediately switching government fleet vehicles such as postal vehicles, city and county inspectors, the service fleets for city and state parks etc, and all the various types of sedans used by city, state, and federal governments while potentially expensive initially will accomplish several things.

It will immediately reduce emissions nationwide, and potentially globally if the U.S. could get this program recognized through the United Nations. Another benefit would be savings on the purchase of bulk fuel for these fleet vehicles since the requirement and use would be far less. Additionally if the requirement to switch to green vehicles were handled through government contract competitions, then the beginnings of a support infrastructure would be created.

How so? The government would first offer the requirements for green fleet vehicles. This would prompt the various auto manufacturers to submit their designs for consideration. These contracts would of course be broken down by vehicle types / mission requirements etc. (More then one type of green vehicle would have to be created, I.E. Trucks, utility vehicles, cargo vehicles)

Once contracts were awarded, the manufacturer would required to produce a certain amount of vehicles of that type, and also provide the maintenance support on those vehicles for a period of time. (Just as is done now with current fleet vehicles) Third party parts manufacturers would then have the opportunity to submit their "lower cost" parts etc etc. Supply and demand.

The vehicles would of course have a life cycle, parts would be widely available, and trained service technicians would be available. Third party companies would now potentially be able to bid for service and support contracts for these fleet vehicles.

Now think big picture... State, County, and City governments submitting green requirements for fleet vehicles. That's potentially millions of fossil fuel vehicles being removed from America's roads alone, and replaced with green vehicles. Now that there is some infrastructure established, and costs are subsequently brought down by free market economics, private companies that use fleet vehicles can jump on board.

This could be either mandated by law, or let the free market take its course. I cant imagine any CEOs of large corporations not be willing to save millions on fuel costs for fleet vehicles. Companies like FedEx, UPS and other delivery and cargo carriers who run local delivery routes. Utility companies that have large fleet motorpools. (Power, Phone, Cable, Gas)

These private companies would be less restricted with their contracting and requirements, (Government contracts are prevented by law from giving any financial advantage to any one specific company, I.E. if a government agency purchased 5,000 hybrids from Ford and discovered the need for an additional 5,000 at a later date, they would have to choose an alternate company such as Chevrolet for the next contract.) and could choose to do business with one specific manufacturer over a long term, as well as the subsequent maintenance requirements.

Once the private industry got involved the market and infrastructure would be wide open for the individual buyer. Prices would be competitive, and the support infrastructure would be in place, driven by the market. Fairly simple, and I didn't even have to go to Harvard to figure it out.

The naysayers will take the opportunity to say: "what about the financial impact and loss of jobs resulting from moving away from big oil?" Firstly, big oil is not going away until we can find a way to fly airplanes with electricity, and until we can find a way to run armies without oil. Yes they will be reduced and cut back, most likely greatly. The whole idea is to replace those jobs and that economy with an alternate. The alternate being the infrastructure created and provided by the green fleet. That's just a beginning.

The reduction of emissions over the long term and additionally benefits such as the extended the supply of available oil reserves (due to far less consumption) which will in turn force prices to come down, and take control away from the oil cartels.

I think the worlds leading nations should take the lead and responsibility to make this happen. It is possible and easily done with available technology. The only cost will be monetary. The benefits however are immeasurable. Nations such as the U.S., Britain, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Canada, Russia, and China could easily begin immediately making this change.

Food for thought.