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Electric train plans thwarted

Dear Energy-wise readers. For those of us who believe that at this time in humanity’s history, energy wise transportation would make good common sense, maybe we can still make a difference to the latest decision by the government to remain with diesel trains, as opposed to transitioning to electric. HOT’s Zelly Restorick writes.

Clean, renewable electricity is what would make real sense, harnessing the power inherent in our country’s sun, wind and tides.

I do not understand either the reasoning or the logic or the sense behind such choices. Do the individuals in government and people in corporations who support such decisions see themselves as having some alternative future, where they will enjoy clean air, separate to the rest of the populace who are already choking on toxins and pollution? Or maybe this is the future plan: to be able to market and sell clean air – and make even more profit?

10-10 have posted a petition for us to express our objection to this decision to stick with dirty polluting fuel.  See what you think, sign if you agree – and spread the word. People power… changing the world.

10-10 run positive, practical projects focused on tackling climate change at the community level, and turn these local actions into a force for bigger changes.

“This summer”, writes 10-10, “the government hit the brakes on plans to electrify British railways. Despite repeated promises, infrastructure across the north of England, Wales and the Midlands are now bound to stay diesel for years to come.
So this weekend, we published an open letter to transport secretary Chris Grayling in the Times. 18 MPs have joined over 80 groups, including environmental NGOs, transport union chiefs, local rail user groups, and council leaders in signing it to show their support. Together, we’re urging Grayling and the Department for Transport to rethink this decision.”

What do you think?

Here’s that petition again and a link to The Campaign for Better Transport.

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