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Conserving oil no longer necessary for US, says Trump administration

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Conserving oil no longer necessary for US, says Trump administration

"Conserving oil is no longer an economic imperative for the US, the Trump administration has declared in a major new policy statement that threatens to undermine decades of government campaigns for efficient cars and other conservation programs. One analyst critical of the move said it was “like saying, ‘I’m a big old fat guy, and food prices have dropped – it’s time to start eating again”. He added: “There’s a downside to living large.” The position was outlined in a memo released last month, without fanfare and in support of the administration’s proposal to relax fuel mileage standards."

CDTA considers electric bus pilot program

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CDTA considers electric bus pilot program

"The Capital District Transportation Authority is considering a pilot program of about five to ten battery-electric buses, CEO Carm Basile said at a board committee meeting on Thursday."

"CDTA’s interest in electric buses was already known—it has secured (but not yet spent) a federal grant to cover about one vehicle and charging station, and its latest five-year capital plan signals an interest in buying more—but the open discussion during a planning and stakeholder relations committee meeting last week underscored the many complications and tradeoffs the public authority must consider as it moves away from fossil fuels."

"One issue involves power and related capital upgrades. CDTA’s headquarters on Watervliet Ave. in Albany, likely the first place the authority would install depot chargers, might need a $1 to $3 million upgrade, one staffer said. Multiple chargers running simultaneously might use as much electricity as the whole building currently uses."

Ferdinand Magellan Presidential Railcar – Miami, Florida

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Ferdinand Magellan Presidential Railcar – Miami, Florida

"Today you can visit the Magellan at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, in Miami. The train has nickel-steel armor and three-inch-thick bullet-resistant windows. The rear door alone tips the scales at 1,500 pounds (though this inconvenience is minimized by carefully balanced hinges). In total, the car weighs 142 tons—almost double the weight of the standard 80-ton Pullman car. By way of comparison, a modern M1 Abrams tank weighs 62 tons."

"When it was in service, the Magellan traveled with a fleet that included sleeping and office cars for White House staff, an Army medical car, and a communications car nicknamed “the crate.” The Presidential Limousine and Secret Service Cadillacs were brought along in a special garage car. Two locomotives were often required to drag this ensemble up steeper track grades. "

"The interior of the Magellan contains a Presidential Suite (two separate bedrooms for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt), two guest rooms, a conference room and an observation lounge. The rear platform was wired with a microphone and loudspeakers that came in handy during whistle-stop campaign speeches."