Californians all talk on environment

[The Straight Story]

Californians all talk on environment
Poll reveals discrepancy between lifestyles, desire for green living
By Steve Geissinger, MEDIANEWS SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Article Last Updated: 07/30/2007 02:45:42 AM PDT

SACRAMENTO — Many Californians' alarmed talk about global warming amounts to a lot of hot air.

Experts say residents are growing more opinionated on the issue — and hypocritical.

A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California shows most residents think dirty air from cars is helping foster disasters such as drought and hurting their health through ailments such as asthma.

They want immediate action from government officials and presidential candidates with strong environmental protection stands. They support current attempts to lower greenhouse-gas emissions from autos.

<snip>

But the poll released last week also found two-thirds of workers put up with pain at the gasoline pump so they can drive solo to jobs — a fourth in SUVs.

Just 13 percent carpool and 7 percent use public transit.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/localnews/ci_6498487

[Elspeth]

1. In SoCal, public transport is still pretty bad.

If everyone in LA got out of their cars and used the metro, the whole system would come to a standstill. In San Diego, where I live, the buses are infrequent in many places (once you get out of the city proper) and the time it takes to get across town is just unbelievable. I am one who would gladly use public transport if it went out to my workplace.

[MindPilot]

6. If I took the bus to work I would commute almost 5 hours a day

I live near downtown and work in North County on the 15 corridor. I can drive it in 25 minutes.

The thing that makes the bus so useless is that after putting up with the wait time, the cost, the crud, the discomfort, and the general hassle, you are STILL SITTING IN TRAFFIC!!!

[blues90]

2. I see a bit less SUV's now

However for some insane reason people in L.A. just love their damn cars , the traffic here is now almost none stop . I live on a coner in a apt in a residential area in Hollywood , but I hear people put the pedal to the metal all the time , this is no way to save anything . They also feel the need to shop and each day drive out somewhere for lunch or star bucks . They won;t sacrifice a thing . Bring a lunch to work and stay off the roads .

It seems to me an illusion that people who live in Calif are that concerned about pollution , it is regulations that keep them in check for smog . There have to be thousands of cars or trucks here that can't pass the emmissions test and go on until they are caught , lots of junks from the border too .

[The Straight Story]

3. Here in Bakersfield I would rather drive then ride a bike

The damn heat is killer here, 100+ many days.

And the bus system? Since I have moved here I have seen a bus 3 times, and I got here in May.

I have not seen any adverts for buses either come to think of it, and I don't know if it is a city system or where they pick up/drop off.

Guess it is time to hit up google....

[blues90]

9. It all depends on what area you live as you know

In L.A. even though it is not extremely hot right now riding a bike would be certain suicide , hell even trying to cross the street is the same risk . People here drive in an insane manner , they don't even look for walkers they are to tuned into just watching the massess of traffic and trying to make left turns or watching and timing the ever watchful red light cameras which to me are more of a hazzard the a safe guard . I have almost been rear ended more since these cameras came to be than ever before .

[RufusTFirefly]

4. Oh the irony!

Barely a week goes by when I don't encounter at least one big honkin' SUV with a "Keep Tahoe Blue" sticker affixed to its massive bumper.
That said, the Bay Area is awash with Honda Priuses and has pretty darn good public transportation: buses, commuter trains, light rail, and subway.

[TahitiNut]

5. Californians are 49th in Energy Consumption per Capita in the U.S.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/plain_html/rank_use_per_cap.html

When you consider that 11% of the people in the United States live in California, that's remarkable.

At the same time, they're 35th in per capita gasoline expenditures ... people in 34 states spend more.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/plain_html/rank_pr_mg.html

[MindPilot]

7. Those are some interesting numbers -- thanks for posting! n/t

[TahitiNut]

8. Yep. Sure thing. One need look no further than Texas to find the energy hogs.

Appetites run BIG in Tex-ass. :puke:

[Johonny]

10. what public transportation?

You have to build it to use it.