'Solving' of problem ignores the consequences

OK, we shut down the oil refineries that produce the gasoline and diesel fuels and switch over to all-electric vehicles. In so doing, we also eliminate the production of asphalt cement, a key element in manufacturing the asphalt concrete used to pave some 90-plus percent of the roads, streets and highways in the United States.

Asphalt concrete has a finite life and is replaced on a 25-to-30-year cycle. One only has to drive the local streets in Sandpoint to see the varying degrees of pavement failure taking place. Ella Street is a good example. If there is no asphalt cement to manufacture the needed asphalt concrete to replace the failing asphalt concrete pavement, the alternative would be to return to paving with Portland cement concrete or go back to gravel roads and streets.

The Portland cement used in the manufacturing of Portland cement concrete also has its drawbacks. The Portland cement is manufactured from limestone which is mined, then mixed with clay and iron ore. It is then heated in kilns to form clinkers and finally ground into powder and combined with gypsum to produce Portland cement, the principal ingredient in Portland cement concrete.

A reliable transportation system is required to get our food and other necessities from the farm, factory or seaport to our grocery, clothing and hardware stores as well as getting us from our homes to school, work and relaxation. It, in turn, relies on a functional and well-maintained system of roads, streets and highways to meet the transportation needs.

This is a good example of the extremists screaming to get their way to solve a problem without any consideration of the consequences of enacting their solution.

DICK CREED

Sandpoint