AFL-CIO Convention Speech

We'll Ride the High Plains Wind!

In 1955 the Milwaukee Railroad proved here in Montana that all-electric rail transportation was cheaper than competing diesel electric. That year President Eisenhower, helped by the American automobile industry finalized the greatest public works project in human history, our 41,000 mile National Interstate and Defense Highway System.

Oil was $2.94 per barrel ($22.74 in 2007 dollars).

In 1969 the all electric Butte Anaconda and Pacific ended because the new concentrator at Butte replaced ore hauling to Anaconda. In 1973 the Milwaukee Railroad cut its wires because it was cut off from shippers and markets by the Burlington Merger of three competitors.

Oil was $9.35 per barrel ($39.77 in 2007 dollars).

In $1980 26,000 miles of railroad and rolling stock could be electrified using 3,000 substations for $15.6 billion, saving $1.5 billion annually.

Oil was $37.42 per barrel ($95.50 in 2007 dollars).

We drive 526,145 cars and 363,878 trucks. Oil is $132. We must

1. Transport freight and bulk electricity with less cost to the
end-user and less damage to the environment, by electrifying certain zones of the existing interstate rail system;

2. Provide safe, cheap, reliable and secure transportation by building high-speed (200 mph) and ultra-high speed (300 mph) long distance electrified passenger service along our interstate highways.

3. Design substations along the routes to supply or receive electricity from our independently operated vehicles converted into hybrids.

4. Use proven compressed air and pumped hydro electricity storage technologies to firm and schedule large blocks of wind power, and optimize the use of existing bulk electricity transmission facilities.

5. Create a passenger, freight, and electricity user-fee trust fund for the construction, maintenance and operation of the system.

6. Incorporate research, development, demonstration, manufacturing and operational advice that combines laboratory discovery with operational experience.

7. Establish from Montana a decentralized Technology Transfer capability, to quickly spread effective lessons learned to the nation.

Very Respectfully,
John Driscoll
Democratic Candidate
Montana First
United States House of Representatives
johdriscoll@mt.net