Transportation Energy Analysis

Transcription

1 Transportation Energy Analysis Since 1973, the transportation industry has made up more than half of the US petroleum consumption. From , the transportation industry alone has used more than 13 million barrels of petroleum per day. Of the transportation industry s energy consumption, petroleum has made up 96% of it. As of February 2008, 59.2% 1 of the US petroleum is imported, and the US has, in turn, consistently exported only about a tenth of their import value. Although both are technically increasing, our imports are rising at a far quicker pace than our exports. Consumer research on petroleum and biomass yields some interesting results. While biomass yields far fewer hits than petroleum, both see heavy viewership from countries other than the United States funny, when we re the ones using such a great deal of it!

2 1 Practically all forms of transportation primarily use liquid fuels trucks use diesel fuel, airplanes use aviation fuel, etc. If liquid fuel consumption continues to rise, as illustrated in this projection, while the price of liquid fuels rises as well (as illustrated by the previous slides), the price of practically everything else will rise. The cost of transporting goods will definitely cause a rise in price of the goods being transported. Although we are still using far more Petroleum than Biomass fuels, it is important to note that the growth of Biomass far surpasses that of petroleum. Of course, the trendline isn t definite: various circumstances could cause the growth of biomass to spike even further (or, least likely scenario, drop), but it appears as if petroleum is pretty much leveling out. However, this does not change the fact that we need to decrease the amount of petroleum we rely on with the steadily rising cost of a barrel of oil, even the slightest growth in petroleum consumption can still hurt us. Hybrid Technology What is it? - Combinatory use of a combustion engine and an electric motor powered by batteries Increases fuel economy while decreasing hazardous emissions that pollute the environment Ranges in models from sedans to luxuries and SUVs Hybrid purchase encouraged by Federal, State, and Local governments with tax credits up to $3,400 Most Fuel Efficient Cars Rank Make and Model Combined MPG Honda Insight 62 Two-seater Vehicle Classification 2 Toyota Prius 55 Compact car 3 Honda Civic Hybrid 50 Mid-size car 4 Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD 33 SUV Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD 33 Mercury Mariner Hybrid 2WD SUV 33 SUV 5 Honda Accord Hybrid 32 Mid-size car

3 Public Transportation Bus, train, or rail that allows for efficient mass transportation Reduces traffic, fuel usage, and hazardous emissions Federal government encourages use of public transportation by offering tax free transit program Active Deployments or Confirmed Deliveries of Hybrid Buses in the United States Location Ordered # Delivered or Delivery Date New York, NY delivered, 100 due end of 2005 San Francisco, CA options 2006 Cleveland, OH Eugene, OR Chicago, IL Baltimore, MD Princeton, NJ U.S. Department of Transportation. Statisticscollected through7/05 Impact and Future Hopes Hybrid technology gaining popularity Many car manufacturers introducing hybrid vehicles Help consumers save money on gas and create healthier environment Hybrids are pricey Hybrids create cleaner environment and public transportation provides a healthier alternative Do We Have A Moral Obligation? Our obligation is better seen through the Social Contract Theory. According to the Social contract theory, morality is determined by a set a rules that govern how people treat one another; rational individuals will accept these rules for their benefit as long as others accept these rules as well. Technology still new but expect better results

4 Social Contract Theory Social Contract Theory Self-Interest vs. Common Good Cooperation needed in order to reach common good Negative consequences, as a result of selfishness, bring about cooperation Global Warming is a moral issue We re used to living in comfort and convenience Turn to using more public transportation and hybrid technology Opposition Some may argue that they should not have to give up their comfort in driving their own cars and in buying cars that are affordable. Moreover, they may argue that technology is supposed to make life more comfortable and convenient. Riding public transportation in lieu of selftransportation makes lives less comfortable and less convenient. Buying cars that run on hybrid technology is costly and many would like the comfort of being able to afford certain commodities Response When it comes to affairs that affect our nation, we must think in terms of the Social Contract Theory. Is it right for us to personally emit tons of gas into the atmosphere at the risk of the total population? If we are rational individuals, then we should look towards the common good, which is an environment that is less polluted. This means that we are obligated to adopt a greener lifestyle, lessening our dependency on oil.

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