Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Hybrids to the rescue

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The Wood River Valley’s contradictory attitudes are visible every day on its streets and single highway.

The valley is well known as home to a lot of people with environmental concerns. Many opposed drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Many live or visit here for the pure air and water. Many are active in environmental organizations.

Yet, valley roads are probably home to more gas-guzzling air-fouling big trucks and sports utility vehicles per capita than most places. More often than not, most contain a single occupant.

Lately, street-corner conversations are centering on the unnaturally early spring melt, low snow packs and gas prices that are $2 a gallon and rising. The conversations usually lead to speculation about global warming and the nation’s dependence on Middle Eastern oils.

The valley’s attitudes, its conversations and its actions don’t add up.

All who are concerned about climate change, environmental degradation or gas prices should look in their own driveway.

Four-wheel drive vehicles with plenty of clearance are handy in mountain snow country and consumers who need them have had little choice when it came to finding good gas mileage.

That’s all about to change.

Next year, auto companies will introduce fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs. Wood River Valley folks would do well to beat a path to the door of the dealers who will sell these new mousetraps. It will be time to put our money where our mouths are.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.