Peak Oil Task Force Report - City of Bloomington - State of Indiana

transit and pedestrian and biking facilities would help also. However, the possibility also
exists that in an oil‐short world, people will be reluctant or unable to travel even to nearby
tourist attractions.
4. Commit to a steady state economy.
A steady state economy is one in which the level of production and consumption remains
relatively constant. It is one in which the goal of having more stuff is replaced by the goal
of having an improved quality of life.
The notion of a steady state economy is likely to be resisted by many people. However, a
debate over whether such an economy is "good" or "bad" would be pointless. We do not
take the position that a steady state economy is preferable to a growth economy. Rather,
we take the position that a growth economy will soon simply no longer be possible.
Considering the two remaining alternatives – a steady state economy, or an economy in a
continual state of crisis and collapse – the steady state is clearly preferable.
5. Develop and deploy alternative forms of energy.
With global peak energy perhaps as little as a couple of decades away, the world and the
nation will need to take immediate steps to manage it. Because peak energy will occur as a
result of production constraints of various non‐renewable
sources of energy, attempting to solve the problem of peak
energy by substituting some forms of non‐renewable energy
(e.g. natural gas) for others (e.g. petroleum) is a temporary but
not a permanent solution. While a detailed examination of
possible forms of alternative energy is beyond the scope of this
Report, local government should work with public, private
entities, and other stakeholders to encourage and provide
incentives for sustainable forms of energy. 44
Report of the Bloomington Peak Oil Task Force
Source: www.globalwarming.house.gov
44 The City’s zoning law, The Unified Development Ordinance, contains incentives for developers to integrate
alternative energy into their projects. However, to date, these incentives are seldom engaged.
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