Our future in using our fuel effectively

LIZ ALCAUSKAS
Published: July 19, 2008

It is fairly clear that in the near future there will not be enough gas and oil to supply the world’s “need.” However, instead of addressing this problem head-on, we are trying to build more roads (to “solve”
traffic gridlock) and to search for new fields of gasoline and oil (to “decrease” price of fuel at the pumps).

What we need to do is seriously look at our fuel use and begin cutting back now. Why do we want to build new power lines (Dominion Electric)?  We need to use less fuel, not more.  Why do we want to
build HOT lanes for single occupant vehicles? We need to stop driving alone.

What can we do locally to cut back on fuel use? Building more roads has not solved our gridlock and will not in the future. What we need is more accessible (financially and physically) mass transit. We
need to invest in sources of renewable energy. We need to really study the nuclear issue. Are the risks of nuclear power worth the energy derived from it?

There are some decisions we as individuals can make. We can also ask our elected officials and our November candidates to help us. By the way, what are their ideas? How can they use their political
office to help us break our dependence on gasoline and oil? How can they help us and Prince William County become leaders in fuel consumption reduction, in affordable mass transit, in use of alternative
fuels, in constructing green buildings?

How many of our buildings now being constructed are taking advantage of passive solar energy?

We need to begin working on this problem immediately. We need to change our patterns not only for our future, but also for the future of our children and grandchildren. Their world will not look like the
one we live in now and we alone can help shape their world in a positive way.  Or, we can do nothing.

LIZ ALCAUSKAS
Dale City