01/05/2006: "Electric Cars Kill Salmon!! Sort of..."

Dear Editor:

It is with only slight sarcasm that I comment on the spate of electric speed abatement vehicles that are propagating throughout the island. One of the principle justifications for these mobile speed bumps is that they are "non-polluting". This is, of course, nonsense. The amount of asbestos generated from grinding brake linings as we all swerve around the wee things is incalculable. As is the gas wasted when we return our fossil fueled conveyances to the legal speed limit.

Where does the electricity originate that goes to re-charge the batteries? "Non-polluting" hydro plants, coal fired generators, or nuke plants? Probably around here, mostly hydro. Those who would wish to seem wiser in the ways of the world than I am, have told us that the rivers dammed to create hydro-electricity are responsible for the destruction of wild fish, and ultimately impact our beloved Orcas. I marvel at their support for electric vehicles.

So please, drive (really) green, and remember, Electric Cars Kill Salmon!!

Kind Regards,

Bill Bailey
San Juan Island