Time for a Manhattan Project on energy

Regarding energy resources:

The solution to many of our national and international problems seems to me to be very simple -- almost a slam dunk. My proposal is to immediately start something like a Manhattan Project to develop and institute an alternative energy source. My recommendation would be to use hydrogen-sourced fuel cells for the production of electricity, initially to power all motor vehicles and homes.

The cost would be supported, if not paid for, by a minimum $1 per gallon fuel tax on gasoline and diesel.

The tax would stay in existence until the hydrogen production facilities are in place (paid for by the independent companies that will profit from the sales). Initially, a huge change in the distribution infrastructure will be required. Again, this would be paid for by the profiting companies. Proceeds from the $1 tax could be used for loans to these companies. At first, the major use of the tax proceeds would go into research and then into the cost of the changeover from oil-driven fuels to hydrogen fuels.

This action should be taken immediately and the research and implementation done on a crash basis.

Benefits are many, but here are a few of the most important ones:

Reduce, if not eliminate, our reliance on oil imported from unfriendly regimes.

Reduce the deficit in our balance of payments.

Reduce our exposure to terrorist attacks on our electric production/grid facilities.

Overcome the objection to nuclear facilities; there would be no need for any more of them.

Reduce, if not eliminate, brownouts and blackouts.

Lambert Prettyman

Sarasota

Last modified: January 29. 2006 12:00AM