Joshua Kondik – 6/15/08

This page was last updated on June 15, 2008.

Toward a better, cleaner Earth; Joshua Kondik; Beaver County Times; June 15, 2008.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“In regard to Thursday’s letter to the editor ‘Be part of the solution:’”

[RWC] I didn’t critique that letter because I couldn’t tell if the author was kidding or the letter was just dopey.

“First, I’m glad to see other people are looking into ways to help. Although the letter was very good, I’m sorry to say the solution the writer proposed wouldn’t make a big difference.

“But I would like to say there have been some pretty good technological advances in alternate energy sources.

“Some of these advances have been in solar and hydrogen energy systems. For example, Honda has recently released the FCX, a zero-emissions, hydrogen-powered vehicle.”

[RWC] When folks like Mr. Kondik refer to “zero-emissions” vehicles, they ignore two points. First, the hydrogen doesn’t magically appear. Regardless of the hydrogen source (coal, gas, water, etc.), the hydrogen must be extracted and that requires energy, usually electrical. What is the primary energy source used to generate electric power in the U.S? Coal. Clearly coal isn’t a “zero-emissions” fuel.

Second, all hydrogen-powered vehicles generate water vapor as a by-product. For those who believe in manmade global warming, and I’m sure Mr. Kondik is in that group, it’s important to remember water vapor is a “greenhouse gas.” Also, depending on the hydrogen-powered vehicle, there can be other pollutants.

“In the solar industry, the efficiency of solar cells has improved, and I have heard talk of a new type of ‘roll-out’ panels. Along with these advancements, the government will also help people pay for their equipment and pay you if you sell them energy.”

[RWC] While it’s true “the efficiency of solar cells has improved,” they remain extremely inefficient and this is why they are not yet economically viable. When you see people use solar power, it’s either because they don’t mind overpaying for electricity or they are receiving subsidies from us taxpayers. The “new type of ‘roll-out’ panels” is even less efficient than conventional solar panels.

From where does “the government” get the money to “help people pay for their equipment?” Hint: It’s not from Martians.

“It’s not really that the means to a better, cleaner Earth aren’t available; we just aren’t made aware of them. There is enough technology available to reduce our fuel and current high-energy costs.”

[RWC] Wrong. We know about all the alternatives. The problem is they all have challenges that must be overcome to make them economically feasible. An energy source is no good unless it’s economically viable.

“The possibilities are there, but everyone has to take part in order for it to work.”

[RWC] In his letter of five days ago, Mr. Kondik wrote, “we will struggle if we don’t educate our country and communities on the issues at hand.” I commented that the letter was an example of that statement. So is this letter.