Even if global warming isn't a threat, what harm could come from using alternative fuel sources?

Question

Or is it all about the money...

Answer 1

I would say that oil is cheap to produce and the price is controlled which makes it hard for other technologies to compete.  When there is no oil left, then it will be very expensive and alternative energies will be more viable.  We will eventually run out of oil and we will need to use other sources of energy.  There is absolutely no harm conserving electricity and seeking other ways to generate it.  It's just that up to now, using oil has been easier.

Answer 2

Right now it's about money, but there are some downsides.

Windmills are being blamed for killing migrating birds, particularly raptors that use the high (windy) ridges to travel along.

Hydro electric dams are being taken down in Maine, to restore fisheries.

There's some concern among some people that low frequency sounds from floating/off shore windmills may disturb marine life.

And I'm sure some body's going to complain about the glare from photovoltaic - or toxic metals used to produce them.

There was a report released last week saying ethanol causes more ground level ozone, which will cause increased lung problems and smog in cities.

There's no such thing as a free lunch - except using less.

Answer 3

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There certainly is no harm, just political pressure to keep some of these choices underground, and difficult to access.

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Anybody who wishes to may drive an electric car right now. I drive one myself. EVs are very inexpensive to drive and maintain. Example: my electric vehicle gets about 5 miles per kilowatt hour, and there's an off-peak (overnight) electric rate available from my utility of only 3 cents per KWH. That's less than ONE CENT per mile. Or put up a small solar panel on the garage and get that cost close to zero.

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Since I have an old EV, I use lead acid batteries, which need replacing every 20,000 miles or so. At about $800 per battery pack, that comes to about 4 cents per mile. Added to my electricity, my total cost per mile is about 5 cents, MUCH better than gasoline.

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And there are almost no other costs to worry about.  Electric motors are extremely reliable - with only one moving part, and no oil changes, filters, or anything else to change. Would you believe you can buy an EV for as little as $5000? Here's a link:

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http://www.squidoo.com/cheap-electric-ca...

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