Sources of Alternative Energy

It came as a shock but not a surprise to learn in Gregory Nowell’s commentary (Aug. 31) that oil companies are trying to block the state Air Resources Board plan to require that methanol be made available at 300 gasoline stations. But there is an even more compelling reason than cleaning up the air to break our addiction to gasoline. Our dependence on foreign oil will soon increase drastically, since at the present rate of consumption all U.S. oil may be gone in 32 years according to Department of the Interior Geologic Survey.

But Nowell’s suggestion to call the Air Quality Management District hot line and protest the oil companies’ attempt would interfere with the line’s important function. Letters to the AQMD or the ARB urging the plan be approved at the Sept. 27 meeting would be more effective (as well as letters to auto manufacturers requesting methanol-capable engines).

Until methanol becomes more widely available, we can each take immediate actions to reduce our gas consumption by 1) decreasing our maximum speed (especially vans and other vehicles with high wind resistance), 2) avoiding jack-rabbit starts and 3) looking ahead to try to coast to a stop since every braking is lost energy.

EARL BUDIN

Los Angeles