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WHJTBY MRE PRESSf, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1990, PAGE 9 Comanypresidenit extols benlefits of natural as Bohte Kowalski Boh economy and environ- ment will benefit from greater use of natural gas claims the chief executive of Consumers Gas. Robert Martin, president of Consumers Gas Company Ltd., extolled the virtues of converting to, natural gas before a, meeting of the Durham Region Manufac- turers Association last week. "The issue of the environment affects everyone of us,» said Mar- tin, conceeding tat bis reality was not always uppermost in tbe minds of businessmen. "At one time pri«ce was about the only factor considered, if it meant sending clouds of smoke into the air so be it, the wind would disperse it," said Martin. "Now it's no lôýnger legally or morally acceptable ta do it. Martin said society cannot suddenly stop using fossil fuels sucb as coal and oiù but sbould be gradually switching ta natural gas. "There's ne such thing as a perfect fuel but-natural gas is certainlypreferrabie. dean up our environmient and have more efficient energy use.» According ta Martin, North Anierican automobile manufac- ROBERT MARTIN turers can bel1 lead the way by building heicles wbicb operate on natural gas. "The cost is about haîf the price of gasoline and it is more frien dly to the environment,» said Martin. He said carbon monoxide emis- sions- can be reduced byv 99 per cent and nitrogen oxide emis- sions by 65 per cent.. Natural gas powered buses are new being usedt in several Cana- dian cities and the benefits are obvious said Martin. :GROU BUYES re. Pird 1501 Hopkins- St., Unît 3, Whi - «r If you've ever been stuck in raffie you wiIl appreciate a natural gas powered bus.» While government bas embra- ced the concept for public transit, Martin said car makers have beeni slow to respond. He told the Free Press later that auto manufacturers are hesitant to switch from. gasoline- powered engi nes for fear of there not being a deand. "They say show us the market and we'Il supply it." However, General Motors in the United States will produce 1,000 natural gas powered trucks next year on an experimental basis said Martin. "But we1l have to show them who'll buy it," bie added. Despite the apparent benefits ta society, Martin did not; favor government re&ulations making natural gas engines mandatory. «I don't think governiment will have to impose it, hopefully they <car makers) will work with us. We're making more headway now."y Other topics dealt with during Martin's speech included: Goods and Services Tax (GST): 'Tour g as bill will be subject to it. It wiIl have different impacts on different aspects of the indus- try.» Existing natural gas supplies: "If we continue to produce at Ithe same level as we have been there is enough gas in Canada to Ilast 52 years.» But American reserves are only expected to last for about 15 years said Martin. 'lere's still a Canadian sur- plus of natural gas but it won't last forever. Our friends to the south have an insatiable appetite for energy.» Government deregulation of Canada's energy industry: "nTe price cf gas for residen- tial customers has gone'down the last fe w ears. It costs about the same as in 1982. "Things look good now, how long it will last we can only speculate.» In the -Mart la B~, O O jx lKerfg, . Phone Home,. Free 78 point inspection for ail Volkswagens. October 16-18. Theres no place like home. Particularly when 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.. October l6th, l7th or 1Bth. the home in question is a Volkswagen 'Auto Haus" And remember- no matterhowfaryoutravelftram No matter what you own, fram Beetie to Passat, your home, you'll always be welcome at our Haus. bring your Volkswagen home and it wiIl be given a thorough 78 point inspection by a fatr-rae cali and we'II arrange an appointment between (ae~ ,c Coul for an appointment today. OWASCO VOLKSWAGEN iNc. 1425 Dundas St. East, Whitby Oshawa/Whitby 668-9383 - AjaxlPickering/Toronto 683-3235 TOLL FREE 1-800-263-2676 0OVER 35 LATE MODELS ON SERVICE RENTAL COMPETITIVELY PRICED FOR YOUR CON VENIENCE Experience the O wasco Feeling - It "s been pro yen since 19 72. An "I CARE" and O.M.L. SERVICE AWARD WINNER 35 MIN. FROM TORONTO WHITOY MWY 2 OSHAWA 0! OwASCO Io PM s action justifiable By Bene Scetens Ontario riding MP The Prime Minister's recent appointment of eight new Senators is an unfortunate development in the struggle between the governnient and the Liberal Senators seeking to block 1egis1ation. It also seems unavoidable, given the circumstances facing the government at this time. While it is regrettable that the Prime Minister had ta resort to these .measures, bis actions are certainly justifiable. The ëèeced goveÈrnets-right te carry out its mandates must not be undermined by unelected, partisan appointees in the Senate. Clearly, the Senate no longer performs its original function as aChaniber of "sobeiý second tbought." It has become a battleground for thosewho have chosen, on their own authority, tà take over the funcetions of the elected govemnment and opposition. The conitinuing failure of attempts ta enact Senate reform are causing many Canadians ta call for this body's abolition. Abolition of the Senate makes good sense for Ontario, since we have less seats per citizen in the Senate than any other province in Canada. Senate reform measures propose even greater representation of other regions, which would further undermine Ontario's proportionately smnaller representation. .The Senate no longer serves the purpose for which it was created. Senate reform bas proven impossible, and would have undesirable results for Ontario even if it could be done. Clearly, the logical solution is ta abolish the Senate outright. I am in the process of distributing a petition ta this effect in Ontario riding, ta be sent ta Ottawa in th e following weeks. I encourage you ta sign it, and support this effort te cut costs and make changes that will help the people of Ontario, and aIl Canadians. 'Downtown Whitby s-... T A- A-oï idnight Madness Sale Friday, October 26th Call the Whitby B.I.A. office for more information 666.4189