I agree that we should look at all the alternatives. I will try and get to these on my blog, if you care to follow up.

About nuclear energy, I’m really worried about the idea of the nuclear reactor in Jordan simply because it comes with the environmental cost of mining for uranium in Jordan as well (article mentions southern regions of Jordan). I think a reliance on wind, solar and geothermal energy is where Jordan’s focus should be.

Our government has yet to introduce tax incentives that would put us on a steady trend that reduces our reliance on oil. They can start by introducing custom tax brackets for imported cars that are based on mpg (mile per gallon) ratings. I think they have already removed the private tax on hybrid vehicles, but the high price of those vehicles really renders the incentive inapplicable in the mind of the average Jordanian.

I hope they stick to the Solar energy solutions for the time being!
Officials: don’t get carried away please.

I was wondering while reading this post, what if there is “something” we “the Jordanian citizens” can do, I don’t mean go on strike, I mean, there should be a way, the people on all levels can do something, still convinced that certain projects or strategies need governmental sponsorship or responsibility.
But don’t want to give up hope, and almost certain that if we “don’t” do it, government won’t, I dunno, its just ideas.

thnx

Processing oil from shale consumes huge amounts of water, is no one talking about this? It seems like a problem for such an arid country…

Anyways, the problem is that these Public Officials, and law makers in the Parliament suffer from two distinct, but closely related in effect, diseases. In regard to Government Officials, unprofessionalism sits at their core. They truly have no pride in their positions for professional reasons. And that to say if, and only if, they reached that position based on merit, which is a rarity. Most government officials spend more time on protocol (a fancy word for hosting guests and doing favors for other Officials) than on the essential duties of their jobs. They basically have no sense of urgency to solve any chronic problems as long as they get promoted. They could care less for coming up with a solution to a critical issue, such as energy, since they are in a position that is idolized by the average citizen, who, as you said, “is in the dark.”

The MPs, who are supposed to be the voice of their constituents, are just doing so. People doubt that a drama series is causing societal problems, the parliament will discuss it. people, unknowingly, are suffering from pollution, uncertain energy future, continuously increasing costs. But, how would their representatives know their needs for solving such issues?

When a member of parliament is hosted at an acquaintance’s home for Mansaf, the host will most likely boast of how he was able to pull off such a grand event, but not what issues where discussed, whats that PM stand on the issue of shale oil, or how does that PM respond to peoples’ unease with the lack of progress at the parliament.

Sadly, in Jordan, all three branches of of government suffer from a stubborn case of impotence. They suffer from persistent ineffective intercommunication. They see their positions as status, nothing else.