Can U.S. Go 'Green'

[Achilles]

Like clockwork, it seems like every time oil prices skyrocket in the United States, the country takes a step toward energy independence. Then the price of oil recedes and American energy consumers revert to their profligate ways. In the past few years as fuel prices spiked and a flush economy combined to propel the nation toward renewable energy, alternative fuels and the reduction of corporate America's carbon footprint. But recently, falling gas prices and a flailing economy have again put the brakes on many of the green initiatives — sincere and otherwise — of corporate America.

Jeff Wacker, corporate futurist for Texas-based Electronic Data Systems (EDS), lectures all over the country about the evolution of American business. He sees the challenges to a green future. "It is a high concern," he says. "We have wasted good crises before. We get into a crisis, we have good intentions of gaining energy independence. Then the crisis passes and boom! We slide right back to where we started."

The objective of the alternative energy movement should be to make the cleanest alternative also the cheapest alternative, says Reid Detchon, executive director for energy and climate at the United Nations Foundation. "You do that two ways: You invest in the whole research and development chain through to commercialization to bring down costs for these new technologies. And you make the conventional technologies pay the cost of their environmental damage."

Regulations will play a key role in the greening process. If the private sector knows that government backs alternative energy as a national priority — like it promotes home ownership — it will stay invested for the long term.

"Governments provide the rules within which markets operate," says Detchon. "And the energy market, more than most, is governed by rules — how much you can charge for a kilowatt hour of electricity, for example. So by getting the rules right, governments can encourage the adoption of clean-energy technology."

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[Drums of War]

Not only can the US go Green it has too! Green technologies will be a huge economic factor in the coming years as the Internet was during the 90s. With the decrease in oil prices it may delay the Green technologies but it won't stop them, especially is Obama wins.

[Patrick Henry]

Originally Posted by Achilles

Like clockwork, it seems like every time oil prices skyrocket in the United States, the country takes a step toward energy independence. Then the price of oil recedes and American energy consumers revert to their profligate ways. In the past few years as fuel prices spiked and a flush economy combined to propel the nation toward renewable energy, alternative fuels and the reduction of corporate America's carbon footprint. But recently, falling gas prices and a flailing economy have again put the brakes on many of the green initiatives — sincere and otherwise — of corporate America.

Jeff Wacker, corporate futurist for Texas-based Electronic Data Systems (EDS), lectures all over the country about the evolution of American business. He sees the challenges to a green future. "It is a high concern," he says. "We have wasted good crises before. We get into a crisis, we have good intentions of gaining energy independence. Then the crisis passes and boom! We slide right back to where we started."

The objective of the alternative energy movement should be to make the cleanest alternative also the cheapest alternative, says Reid Detchon, executive director for energy and climate at the United Nations Foundation. "You do that two ways: You invest in the whole research and development chain through to commercialization to bring down costs for these new technologies. And you make the conventional technologies pay the cost of their environmental damage."

Regulations will play a key role in the greening process. If the private sector knows that government backs alternative energy as a national priority — like it promotes home ownership — it will stay invested for the long term.

"Governments provide the rules within which markets operate," says Detchon. "And the energy market, more than most, is governed by rules — how much you can charge for a kilowatt hour of electricity, for example. So by getting the rules right, governments can encourage the adoption of clean-energy technology."

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We all know that the sooner we become energy independent, the better. It will be better for the environment and electricity be much, much cheaper. We need to pick one and stay with it. The way we’re doing it now progress is really slow; every time oil prices rise, we get on the road to energy independence, but then when oil prices go back down, we go right back to our horrible, oil dependent ways. We have to stay on the road and not jump back every other month. Becoming oil independent will have many advantages to us; we won’t be in a dilemma every time the price of oil shoots up, we will contribute to slowing global warming, and it will improve our icon as a leading nation on renewable energy. Oil is limiting and will hurt our infrastructure in the future; wind, water, and sun are (almost) unlimited. Renewable energy is the only future to America.

[Inverted]

Originally Posted by Patrick Henry

Renewable energy is the only future to America.

I agree. Obama will not be in bed with the oil compaines like Bush was and will work to move America off Forign oil. Renewables is the way to go and the faster the better.

[Plato]

Originally Posted by Inverted

I agree. Obama will not be in bed with the oil compaines like Bush was and will work to move America off Forign oil. Renewables is the way to go and the faster the better.

Renewables are the way to go, even if we have to go to extremes to do it. It will make life a lot easier, when we don't have to rely on expensive and polluting gas.

[Hype]

Originally Posted by Plato

Renewables are the way to go, even if we have to go to extremes to do it. It will make life a lot easier, when we don't have to rely on expensive and polluting gas.

As long as those renewables aren't food.

[Plato]

Originally Posted by Hype

As long as those renewables aren't food.

Very correct. Food is for eating, not for powering your car so you can get food.