What are we Waiting For?

I sent versions of this letter to:
US Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
US Sen. John Cornyn
US Rep. Sam Johnson
Texas Gov. Rick Perry
Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst
Texas Sen. Florence Shapiro
Texas Rep. Jerry Madden

June 9, 2008

Representative Jerry Madden

520 E. Central Parkway
Suite 236
P.O. Box 940844
Plano, TX 75074

Dear Representative Madden,

I would like to encourage you to support expedited action toward independence from foreign oil. I’m sure I don’t have to point out how damaging current high prices for transportation fuels are. I am disappointed however in the progress we are making toward doing something about it. There are some things we could be doing in our state.

My understanding from reading Department of Energy reports and other materials is that there are readily available and environmentally friendly technologies that could produce alternative fuels on a commercial scale, at reasonable costs, and soon. Some of these alternatives have been around for some time, yet we seem to be bogged down in partisan squabbling, special interest lobbying, and never ending debate. With prices spiraling upwards it’s long past time for decisive action.

Clean coal-to-liquid technology in particular would seem an appropriate vehicle for Texas. We have a lot of medium to low grade lignite that in new refineries can be converted to gas, cleansed of its pollutants, and used to produce relatively clean burning gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels at costs comparable to oil at $55 per barrel. The resulting carbon dioxide can be captured and uses found for it. These plants can be built on or near existing mines, avoiding much of the transportation cost commonly associated with coal. They could produce thousands of new jobs for Texans and help stabilize fuel prices at much lower levels than they are today.

I would like to see this become a serious issue in this year’s election campaigns. There are other energy issues too, and other proposals for short term help in a short term crisis. This is a long term solution to a long term problem. It’s something we can do now. These facilities can be on stream in five years or less.

Let me reiterate. Coal is an abundant resource. We know how to convert it to liquid fuels at net benefits to the environment, the economy, and national security. What are we waiting for?

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Respectfully,

/s/