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The U.S. Department of Energy report directly addressed the concept of peak oil and how to deal with it. Peak oil means oil production is maximized and supply goes down from that point forward. Coupled with a surge in demand from countries like China and India, some energy experts say this could be a problem for America's economy.
"The world is consuming more oil than it is finding, and at some point within the next decade or two, world production of conventional oil will likely peak," the report says.
In Congress, U.S. Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., has co-founded the House Peak Oil Caucus aimed at tackling this issue.
As discussed, former Mayor of The Village of Los Ranchos, New Urbanist and architect, John Hooker, has worked for years on making our community more walkable and resident friendly.
The City of Albuquerque has worked diligently to develop bike paths, bike trails and alternative modes of transportation. We are not sure who is responsible for all these initiatives but they deserve our thanks and "kudos".
The mayor of Albuquerque, Mayor Chávez, is a founding member of the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement and vowed to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels by 2012.
These “plug in” hybrids are where conservation and the ‘alternative fuel’ of electricity converge and will revolutionize the conservation side – getting upwards of 200 miles per gallon equivalent. " Src: Click here: Cool Mayors for Climate Protection
On March 1, 2006, he initiated Executive Order #19 which stipulates that all purchases of motor vehicles by the city shall be alternative fuel vehicles. The Mayor also strongly supported the recently passed increase from 1% to 3% "set aside" for energy conservation and renewable energy city projects. The original 1% "set aside" passed last year has already paid for itself in savings and provided money for LED street lights, hybrid vehicles and bio-diesel projects. Future 
programs considered for the 3% set aside include: upgraded fuel stations (E85 & B20), engine block heaters to reduce idling time, and flex fuel vehicle acquisition. The city vehicle (at right) is an example. Read more.
Marty has a new website on green issues at www.albuquerquegreen.com.
Mayor Chavez recently held a conference on "Sustainability: A Town Hall on Albuquerque's Energy Future" with the following transportation suggestions made during the conference:
- Energy use for transportation should emphasize biofuels/agrifuels and electric power for all fleets of more than 20 vehicles including the City of Albuquerque, UNM and APS, as well as the Rail Runner.
- Develop alternatives to the use of vehicles, including light rail, bicycles, pedestrian and public transportation fueled by clean renewable energy sources.
- Maximize use of renewable energy; expand the mass transit system and maximize public transit use
- Convert fleets to alternative fuels, phasing in, as appropriate, based on economic analysis, health impact costs and petroleum displaced (See Austin,TX challenge.)
- Using the city of Albuquerque/Bernalillo County's comprehensive plan, address sprawl and congestion, expand the mass transit system and maximize regional public transit usage in partnership with Mid-Region Council of Governments.
- Develop infrastructure for hydrogen, electric and emerging technologies to further reduce dependence on hydrocarbon fuels. Move toward zero net emissions by developing clean fuel sources for transportation including transit.
Please let us know your ideas and/or feedback on the people or organizations that have made a difference in this area
