2
POPSGreen energy investments take a huge hit! OUCH! I sure hope this is a temporary reduction and not a more long lasting hit to the green energy industry. Whatever happens in the next year or two, it seems imperative for so many reasons that the alternative energy sector be amongst the leading industries over the next few decades.
9
POPSThe economic collapse killed alternative energy Though the side effects of the economic collapse are enormous, prehaps none is more disappointing than than the devastating effect it is having on the world's committment to renewable energy. If you compare today to a year ago, the heat on the sector has diminished greatly! In the long run, that may be the most damaging side effect of this period.
16
POPSWhen will Congress act to promote alternative energy? They talk a good game, but the tax credits needed to boost the industry in a massive way are being held up. If and when Congress gets serious about removing our dependence on foreign oil we'll know it...they'll extend the tax credits that are set to expire this year. This would not only be a major shot in the arm for the industry, but for our entire economy as well!!!
27
POPSThe key to oil independence is a new electrical grid It seems that with alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar, the United States has the potential means to substantially reduce our dependence on oil - especially once plug-in cars are on the market. But until we substantially upgrade our nation's electrical grid with modern technology that will enable the energy created by these sources to be transmitted intelligently around the county, their impact will be limited. It's going to take a greater commitment from Congress to jump start this. Making it happen will provide a huge boost to our economy, environment and political leverage with the Middle East, Russia, Venezuela and more.
17
POPSGreen technology creating 'green collar' jobs I stand strongly behind my belief that if this country committed ourselves to becoming energy independent with the same determination that we committed to putting a man on the moon, that we could do it and we could create millions of new jobs in the process. It would be an enormous driver of economic growth and strengthen our leverage in the Middle East because we would no longer be reliant on their oil.
7
POPSMayor Bloomberg advocating alternative energy for NYC This is an example of the forward thinking, innovative leadership that Mayor Bloomberg has provided to New York City. I'm certainly a fan of term limits, but this is one person i sure hate to see move on...although i would love to see him be a major player in the next president's cabinet. I imagine that if Obama wins, that is a very real possibility.
4
POPSAlternative energy needs help from Congress It's crazy to me to see the Bush administration and many members of Congress focusing on drilling for oil with such passion, yet you hear next to nothing from them about investing whatever resources are necessary to jump start a brand new industry that could significantly lessen our dependence on oil. Seeing what Russia is doing in Georgia should make the U.S. government's desire to aid the development of alternative sources such as solar and wind even that much greater.
10
POPSGM says Chevy Volt is on track for 2010 I sure hope they can pull this off. The introduction of a rechargeable electric car has the potential to be a game changer for our economy and global dynamics. I would imagine that the response to this in the market would dwarf that received thus far by hybrids. We are talking about truly revolutionizing one of the most important industries in the world. And don't forget the ripple effect this will have by creating the need to make enormous investments in our national electricity grid.
21
POPSObama's tire pressure remark - fact vs fiction McCain has responded to Obama's suggestion that we better maintain our cars in ways that promote fuel efficiency with childish (yet somehow effective) criticism. The amazing thing these days is that facts don't seem to matter. McCain is jumping on Obama with lies and accusations that, in my opinion, discredit his own reputation for running clean, dignified campaigns.
3
POPSA compromise? Drilling for alternative energy tax credits Seems like an interesting possibility here. Give the Republicans what they want (more drilling) in exchange for what the Democrats want (extension of tax credits for wind, solar, etc.). You would think that this combination would show that the U.S. government is truly committed to doing whatever it takes to bring down our reliance on foreign oil.
17
POPSThe Energy Technology Revolution Tom Friedman is so right (shocker) about this. I find it to be insane that this is not THE ISSUE of the presidential election. T. Boone Pickens gets it. Tom Friedman gets it. Europe and Asia seem to get it. When will Washington get it???
12
POPSThe market for plug-in cars is fast approaching Very exciting stuff. This is no longer the talk of what's ifs and hypotheticals...it's reality and it's coming soon. In my opinion, the introduction of plug-in cars will be a major catalyst for the development of additional sources of energy - including more wind and solar generated. It will also be the tipping point for allocating the massive resources needed to upgrade our nation's power grid.
4
POPSWhite House schizophrenia over global warming Very interesting clip that highlights to tension within the Bush administration. There seems to be a strong division between those who see reality and those who see whatever the oil companies want them to see. Let's pray that our next president will err on the side of humanity.
6
POPSMajor solar initiative in California This is a huge deal - highlighting the opportunity for utilities to embrace alternative sources of energy (such as solar and wind) to meet their customer's energy needs. “By harnessing the clean, renewable energy of the sun that is abundant in California, these innovative solar projects are helping to meet our long-term energy and climate change goals,” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said. “These projects are evidence that California’s ingenuity is spurring a clean tech boom that will bring companies and investment dollars to California while reducing the state's carbon footprint.” Why in the world don't words like that come from our President??? All he wants to talk about is drilling for more oil!
5
POPSThe Pickens Plan Could this man single-handedly lift the United States out its dependence on oil and inspire the type of commitment and innovation needed to make it happen? I know that sounds crazy, but this type of high profile exposure is absolutely invaluable to the birth of a new industry. Like going to the moon in the 60s, it's time to devote whatever resources are needed to enter the alternative energy era.
7
POPSGeneral Motors builds massive rooftop solar array This is the type of high profile event that could represent a tipping point. Someday, i imagine that all rooftops will be solar powered - and many cars too for that matter - and this type of announcement could be looked at as a catalyst for many more companies to get in the game. Unfortunately, the U.S. government isn't being nearly as supportive of wind and solar as European and Asian governments - but again, that's something that will hopefully change after the upcoming election.
20
POPSSolar powered Prius!! Now this is exciting news! This type of innovation is exactly what the world needs to help us lose our dependency on oil. It is also the type of progress that i believe will spur the economy out of its very nasty funk.
6
POPSBiofuels cause spike in food prices - duh! I currently think the U.S. is doing it all wrong. The Bush administration is very supportive of biofuels and drilling for oil, but they're not giving nearly enough support to wind and solar. Hopefully with a new President in a few months will come a much more effective energy policy.
9
POPSTom Friedman calls for an "energy internet" Once again, Tom Friedman calls it like it is. This is a smart piece that i recommend everyone read. Despite a lot talk about green energy, i'm still shocked that the U.S. government isn't more focused on it and committed to aiding its development. I guess we can only hope that China and Europe lead the way.
11
POPSBush's attempt to keep us hooked on oil Man, Tom Friedman just nails it. This is exactly what the Bush administration is trying to do and it scares the heck out of me. I strongly suggest that you click the source link to read the entire article.
22
POPSWhy we need high oil prices I know this sounds crazy, but i honestly believe that high oil prices in the short term (1-5 years) is a very good thing if it forces us to find alternatives. I am definitely concerned that if oil prices drop temporarily, the momentum behind alternatives such as wind and solar will die off - leaving us exactly where we are today - way too dependent on oil and way to harmful to our environment.
19
POPSFilling up your car with ELECTRICITY!! When we can fill up our cars with electricity instead of gasoline - and generate electricity through wind and solar power - and transmit more electricity over the grid - we will have truly changed global dynamics. The amazing thing is that it may not be more than a few years away! Any additional help we can get from Washington will make a huge difference. I hope to see this be a central issue in the upcoming election.
12
POPSFast moving to a new India Clipped from an interesting article in the NY Times about Mukesh D. Ambani, the most powerful business person in India. I think it 's fascinating and exciting to see how a connected, exposed world (largely due to the Internet) is leading to massive changes in customs and practices that have lasted centuries. The combination on the Internet and alternative energy should make the 21st century prove to be a bridge between the old and the new.
15
POPSA $45T Clean Energy Revolution Oh yeah....this is huge! Bigger than the internet and telecommunications revolution...the energy revolution seems poised to be the defining innovation of this century. In addition to creating a much more stable source of energy and helping the environment, the opportunity for investment and new jobs makes this the most exciting opportunity i've ever seen.
4
POPSExxon Mobil gets friendlier towards climate changes Follow the money! The thing that really excites me about this move is it seems to have come about as a result of shareholder pressure. The people want new, clean, renewable sources of energy and via their wallets and their votes they are going to get it!!!
14
POPSSolar iPhone Just another step in the evolution to a new power industry. The power industry is in the very early stages of change that's similar to the change in telecommunications that has occurred over the past 20 years. I'm extremely excited to be following it (and clipping it).
9
POPSBillions being raised for clean energy In many parts of the world, new sources of energy hold the promise of bringing power to people who desperately need it. I expect solar and wind to play a major role in this.
19
POPSTesla Motors sells out first 100 cars Innovation and capitalism are amazing forces in dealing with global dynamics. We've got sky high oil prices, instability in the region that oil comes from and a global warming threat that many attribute to our use of fossil fuels. So what do we do? We innovate....this is just the beginning!!
29
POPSFuture of wind power - will be HUGE! I think it's incredibly exciting to be living during a time of such change. We are talking about a massive change in global dynamics that has already begun. The next few decades should be amazing.
7
POPSTesla Roadster hits the market!! This is awesome! I look forward with great excitement to the day when all cars are powered this way - and we have a state of the art electrical grid to support them. A truly world changing innovation.
5
POPSSenate votes to extend tax credits for renewable energy So the Senate and House have now decided to extend the tax credits. The big difference is that the House want to subsidize them by increasing taxes on oil companies, whereas the Senate just wants to eat the cost. Let's hope that Congress and the President can agree on a solution, because this would be great for the country and the world for many reasons!
7
POPSSilicon Valley? How about Solar Valley! Just another indication of how fast the momentum behind alternative energy is picking up steam. If the government extends tax credits for wind and solar, i think this industry is in for a very long bull market.