no gas= no problem

CNN Money posted an articl Ce today explaining the candidate's Gas Tax Holiday alongside featuring ZAP, leading in electric cars.
Some info I took away after reading the story is the the questionable effectiveness of the Gas Tax Holiday proposed by McCain and seconded by Clinton that would come into effect this summer when gas rates are expected to reach an all-time high.
Obama sits on the other side of the fence and warns Americans that this proposed Holiday will just mask our oil problem and delay the inevitable backlash of gasoline prices.
The story offers ZAP as an alternative option, avoiding the cost of oil all together by driving an electric car. There is no mention of new cars being released, however Zap has gained partners to improve technology and funding for their electric-based business.
ZAP Proposes Endless Gas Tax Holiday With Electric Vehicles. May 06 2008.
Read the full story at http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0393892.htm

White House calls for renewable energy

Here is what the Bush Administration is doing about the energy and the climate crisis.

"Today, President Bush spoke to the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference and discussed the importance of renewable and alternative energy technologies to increasing America's energy security and addressing the long-term challenge of global climate change. The more sources of energy we have, the less influence any one of them, such as oil, has over the United States' security and prosperity. Renewable energies are some of the most promising new sources for energy because they are clean and because their supply can be regenerated. The Washington International Renewable Energy Conference brings together government, civil society, and private sector leaders to address benefits and costs of the global deployment of renewable energy technology."
The White House has administered two mandates to renew our idea on energy.

• The Renewable Fuels Mandate will increase the use of renewable fuels by 500 percent – requiring fuel producers to supply at least 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel in the year 2022.
• The Vehicle Fuel Economy Mandate specifies a national mandatory fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2020, which will save billions of gallons of fuel and increase efficiency by 40 percent.

Other mandates that affect our households include:

• The Lighting Efficiency Mandate will phase out the use of incandescent light bulbs by 2014, and improve lighting efficiency by more than 70 percent by 2020.
• The Appliance Efficiency Mandate sets over 45 new standards for appliances.
• The Federal Government Operations Mandate will reduce the energy consumption of Federal Government facilities 30 percent by 2015. Additionally, all new Federal buildings will be carbon-neutral by 2030.

Source: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080305-2.html

For a funnier side of the issue, check out this video
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Y74WnGjrWk

Hurting...

Oil prices are painful! $4 a gallon is outrageous- there is no way we will be able to continue our daily routine as prices are skyrocketing.
These prices aren't just hurting when you are filling up your over-sized vehicle at the Shell station, business use oil for transporting their goods, school buses use oil to get the kids to school. The increased spending in these areas are passed on to....you guessed it...you!
So how do we fix this? Senators are allowing drilling expansion in Central Mexico and offshore in Santa Barbara, but is increased drilling really the best solution? Where will we be when we've exhausted these sources? On the oil-stained beach watching the sun set behind the oil rigs?

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

Celebrate by using less electricity, walking, biking, or driving your electric car, plant a tree or recycling. Show gratitude for the beauty of our earth by reducing your impact. Remember, Earth Day may be recognized one day out of the year but green living can be a state of mind.


I found more pics of Zap vehicles on flicker. These are from the Zap warehouse in Santa Rosa, CA
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghouliespic...

Zebra Wheels!

Zero Air Pollution Vehicles (ZAP) is a rad company looking to give drivers an alternative energy option. Zap makes cars, scooters, trucks, ATVs powered by electricity. Recently I took a Xebra for a test drive, a 3-wheeled electric car.
The Xebra has a cd player, heater, AC and seats 4 people. The car is street legal, actually classified as a motorcycle! They are so quiet, I didn't even know whether it was on or not, compare that to a growling Ford 350!
Best thing about the Xebra, you never have to go to a gas station. Plug it in, it will be fully charged within 6 hours.
Xebra's are electric cars meant for driving around town, NOT on the freeway. Zap cars might not meet all your needs for transportation, speak to a dealer to make sure a Xebra is right for you.
www.zapworld.com

Kudos to Companies

Sector Nine: Awesome skateboard company, fully dedicated to reduce their carbon footprint while creating great products buyers can feel good about!
*Supports wind energy
* Run vehicles off 100% vegetable oil
* build boards out of bamboo
Check em out www.sector9.com

Element Skateboards/Elemental Awareness: Inspires young people to protect our planet, increase environmental awareness and raise self-esteem in youth.
*tours of skateboard factories
*teach wilderness survival
*ancient & modern life skills
*Nature Skate Contest Series
www.elemental awareness.com

Portable Solar Panels

Save money on electricity and batteries by using portable solar panels to charge your gadgets! Cell phones, laptops, ipods, what-have-you.
These fold-out panels weight 19 ounces and sell for under $100. I found one for $50!
Sweet Deal :)

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=369228&pCatg=666