The article "Oil drilling leaps as clean energy lags," May 3, indicates the benefits of scientific research and capital investment into technology development. Fossil fuel companies' investment into research and development of computer and sensor technology have increased the location of oil reservoirs.
The Associated Press article states: "And despite growing supplies of oil, prices remain high because developing nations are consuming more." That would be consuming more fossil fuels, which means more greenhouse gases, and more money from the economy.
The Capital Region's Sustainability Plan states: "Greenhouse gas emissions from energy — both stationary and mobile sources — represent 88 percent of all emissions for the Capital Region." Therefore, educating and training workers like bus and truck mechanics to renovate gasoline and diesel engines toward alternative fuels and the technical knowledge of electric vehicles will enhance our transportation system. The use of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the National Clean Diesel Campaign, and the Green Jobs Green New York program will offer grants to research and develop technology to reduce the emission of nitric oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon oxides and particulate matter from fossil fuels. Rochester Institute of Technology has begun research into technical work to enhance renovation of gasoline and diesel engines. Columbia University's Lenfest Center for Sustainable Energy is researching chemical and mechanical technologies to improve the capture and sequestration of pollutants from fossil fuels. And there are some small businesses offering nano-filtration systems to improve drinking water systems for municipalities, residences and businesses.
Continued funding for research by scientists, mechanics and students will enhance commercial development of clean air needs to protect our health, safety and well-being from fossil fuel pollutants.
Michael McGlynn
Watervliet