If you read what I have posted in the past, you know I am very skeptical of the overall economic and environmental sustainability of electric cars (but optimistic with electric bicycles and other electric vehicles)

However, consider the huge subsidies given to the fossil fuel industry by both state and federal government. Let’s see an end to ALL corporate welfare, a true accounting of costs (including health and environmental) and see what works.

http://priceofoil.org/fossil-fuel-subsidies/

At the same time, the government should do more to support academic research and changes in energy policy which can make a huge difference in our economy.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ener1-parent-obama-backed-green-company-files-bankruptcy/story?id=15456414#.T0WkxPEgeHM

Obama seriously needs to reconsider the Keystone XL pipeline instead of wasting our tax dollars on technology that has yet to be proven cost effective.

UPDATE: Victims in downtown Richmond crash were VCU students

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2012/feb/22/1/1-killed-crash-downtown-richmond-intersection-ar-1707044/

The driver who died in yesterday’s three vehicle collision on the Downtown Expressway has been identified.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., Harry A. Fuller, Jr., 65, of the 13600 block of Cartwright Lane, was operating the vehicle that crossed from the eastbound lanes across the grassy median into the westbound lanes. His vehicle collided with two vehicles that were traveling westbound. He died at the scene.

All three vehicles had a single occupant.

A driver in one of the involved vehicles was transported to VCU Medical Center with injuries that are not considered life threatening. The other driver was able to leave the scene without significant injury.

The westbound lanes of the Downtown Expressway were closed for several hours.

http://richmondhistorymakers.com/past-honorees2005.htm

Richmond History Makers

Category: Demonstrating Innovative Solutions

“For future generations, the Richmond History Center preserves history…the Greenway preserves a natural environment.”
— Napi Ippolito
Honoree: Napi Ippolito Circle School Cooperative
Combining innovative solutions with persistence and persuasion, Napi Ippolito has made the Richmond region a better place to live, work and visit.

More than a decade ago, Ippolito noted that Richmonders lacked safe and legal access to James River Park and Belle Isle from the north side of the river. In that area, dangerous railroad tracks and murky waters in an abandoned portion of the Kanawha Canal precluded visitation of one of the nation’s largest inner city wilderness areas.

Ippolito, who is a grandmother and school principal, became determined to provide a safe and scenic passage not only for the children in her care, but also for neighborhood residents, VCU students and Richmond tourists. She envisioned an inviting, natural pathway that would be enhanced with educational interpretations of the richly historic area. The history along this route includes all three of the significant landmarks of this area’s long-neglected abolitionist and free black heritage.

By building a coalition of civic associations, politicians, historians, educators and environmental advocates, Ippolito spearheaded creation and endowment of one of Richmond ‘s first Greenway Parks: a connector between Monroe Park and the James River Park system. Ippolito successfully raised funds exceeding a half million dollars, including significant grants secured from the Virginia Recreational Trails Fund Program and the Virginia Department of Transportation. In addition, Ippolito’s enthusiasm and spirit of volunteerism enticed many residents to provide labor for related construction projects and clean-up work parties.

Today, bicyclists, hikers, mothers with strollers and city visitors benefit daily from Ippolito’s significant initiative. Ippolito has earned the honor as a Richmond History Maker.

“Napi is an inspiration for her vision and persistence in uniting VCU, Oregon Hill, environmental organizations, and historians in finding an elegant and educational solution to a serious problem,” states Charles Pool. “Lives will be saved…and the quality of life enhanced by a well-funded Greenway path with historical interpretation and scenic beauty.”

http://www.oregonhill.net/2011/06/17/top-ten-issues-for-the-neighborhood/

In addition, growing Tredegar as a historic attraction should include preserving and renovating the historic Kanawha Canal and making sure there is good pedestrian and bicycle access.

Technically, its not a standard IHOP but an IHOP Express.