40 year old automotive technology is parked in a museum or sitting on dusty shelves waiting for resurrection. The experimental turbine powered Chrysler of the early sixties holds one of the keys to our energy independence. Although the original died a quiet death, Chrysler kept up the research untill the Federal bail-out restrictions brought about a halt. The interesting thing about this car is that it would run on just about any flammable liquid from tequila to perfume.

One of my most important projects will be to bring the major auto manufacturers together for the puprose of working together to perfect the turbine technology for the automotive market. The prospect of moving to alternative fuels, such as grain alcohol, can not be ignored. The question is whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms or the oil companies will be able to deal with it.

PROPOSED DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR ENERGY SAVINGS

No tax deductions or credits to further scramble our wonderful tax system. All of these ideas could dovetail with the FairTax system without being complicated. A simple rebate form can be used instead of entries on a 1040. All of the following suggestions below presume that costs will be offset by corresponding reductions in the wasteful and ineffective programs that are proliferating within the federal budget.

Direct payments to assist the purchase of bicycles used for the purpose of commuting to employment. The exception being off road types such as mountain bikes, or exotic racing type bicycles.

Direct payments to assist the purchase of motorcycles used for the purpose of commuting to employment. This could cover mo-peds and scooters in urban environments to full size motorcycles in suburban and country locales. A limit of 1000 c.c. engine displacement would be reasonable. There would be no payments for dirt bikes, or sport bikes, those styled after racing machines. A larger motorcycle, meeting the 35 m.p.g. requirement, could be eligible for the mileage payment just like the cars I mention in the next paragraph.

Direct payments for mileage on hybrid and high m.p.g. vehicles. That's simple enough. Just for speculation, let us say the the federal government will make a direct payment monthly for the mileage, maybe 10 cents per mile, on your hybrid or high m.p.g., 35 plus m.p.g., vehicle. Now, there's a real incentive to buy and use engergy saving transportation. The request could be as simple as an odometer reading statement (standard form) verified and signed by a dealer.

Direct payments for bus and / or train fares in commuting to employment. I am philosophically opposed to give - aways for mass transit systems that nobody will use. However, with ridership encouraged, in the form of payment, the free market will move in to provide the service. Anyone who uses public transportation in the Triangle area will tell you that the routes and schedules are a horror show. With incentives to take public transportation, the public will demand and get something that works, whether it is a government sponsored system or private enterprise moving in to take up the slack. Don't even think about asking me to support the Triangle light rail system until RDU Airport is included in the initial route.

I'm working on the details and possibilities for each of these proposals right now. I will post them as soon as possible. The central idea is that all of the above expenditures are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the almost useless efforts made so far. Suggestions are always welcome.