Already renowned for its university, its high-tech industry, and its country music scene, Austin, Texas, is now moving to establish itself as a premier city of the 21st century by pioneering in the advocacy and development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and of the distributed solar-electric technologies to power them.
Written by Michael Osborne, funded through a grant to Austin Energy (a community-owned electric utility and a department of the City of Austin) from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, part of the Community of the Future Initiative, Austin Energy Published has produced, "Silver in the Mine: A Long Term Comprehensive Energy Plan for the City of Austin," which you can access by clicking here.
Inspired by the work and example of Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, "Silver in the Mine" focuses on the generation of distributed solar electricity as a means of fostering economic prosperity and personal freedom for citizens of sustainable cities.
U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) represents the 21st Texas Congressional District, which includes part of Austin, in the U.S. Congress, and is a strong supporter and advocate for PHEVs.
In a December 8, 2005 press release from his office entitled
"Smith Shows Support for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles,", Congressman Smith refers to Roger Duncan, Deputy General Manager of Austin Energy, and Austin Energy's Plug-in Partners initiative that "seeks to demonstrate to automakers that a market exists for plug-in hybrids," saying:
“If this initiative is copied by other cities, people will save money on fuel, conserve energy and reduce harmful emissions,” explained Congressman Smith.
The press release added that:
"Conventional hybrids batteries are recharged by capturing the energy released during braking or through a generator attached to the combustion engine. Plug-in hybrids offer the additional option of recharging batteries by plugging the vehicle into an appropriate outlet. Recharged plug-in hybrids can be driven 20-60 miles without internal combustion engine power (all-electric, zero-emission). This means less pollution and cleaner air."
Congressman Smith went on to say that:
“The plug-in hybrid vehicle has the potential to reduce oil dependence on foreign oil imports. Forty percent of the oil consumed in the U.S. is used to fuel cars and trucks, at a cost to consumers in 2004 of $250 billion. U.S. dependence on foreign oil is projected to rise to more than 60 percent by 2020,” Smith pointed out.
The press release pointed out that:
"Under the direction of the Austin City Council, the City of Austin and Austin Energy are leading a national campaign to demonstrate to automakers that a market exists today for plug-in hybrids. They are trying to enlist other cities to do the same. The so-called “50-City Plan” seeks support from utilities to develop $50-$100 million in incentives from utilities for plug-in hybrid procurement and fleet purchase commitments by government, private businesses and consumers.
Congressman Smith reinforced the theme of this article when he concluded, “Austin is setting an example for the rest America with this unique initiative.”
