Mom's Skirt Can't Protect You From a Semi

   Is it just a line from us environmentalists, or must we really sweep semis right off the road? And, how possible is that? Measly electric motors will never pull the loads like diesel engines do. And, what, you want to replace construction equipment as well? Somehow you think an electric is powerful enough for a gravel truck hauling 13 ton of rocks?

   Hooh-boy.

   About 7 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. come from those big rigs . . . well, delivery trucks and tractor-trailers. Take them off the road, and you're making a difference.

   Trouble is, while a diesel semi will cost you $130k to $160k -- which is already a lot -- a semi from Lion, BYD, or Nikola is going to set you back $300k to $400k. You've never heard of Lion, BYD, or Nikola? Well, I'm just trying to save you a little money. Go with an electric from a name-brand -- Freightliner, Kenworth, Peterbilt, or Volvo -- and the cash gets even more serious: $400k to $500k.

   That'll make for a trip down to the bank. Split it between two banks; you'll have a better chance.

   But, hold on. Help is on the way. Buy your semi in California, and a tax incentive will pay off $120k. New York is even better: $160k back in your pocket.

   Are tax incentives the way to go? I have my doubts. But I consider how serious a problem we have with all the carbon drifting around in the air, all the nitrogen oxides, all the fine particulate emissions. Some greenhouse gases drop out of the air soon enough, but others can hang in the air for centuries. You don't just get scared at the last minute and say, Okay, we'll stop. The damage is already done. Even if every last truck and car is swept off the road, some of the greenhouse gases will haunt you seemingly forever.

   Repentance is for those who repent on time, not for those who procrastinate, not for those who say, "I don't believe in climate change," only to wake up and find out it is true. 

   So, yes, I begin to think tax incentives might be in order. No, I do not know for sure, but I do know if we don't address the climate change problem, we won't have a skirt to hide behind. Mom would protect us if she could, but she can't. She can't protect us from a large semi bearing down on us. 

(Index -- Climate change info)