The 10 Biggest Cleantech Victories in 2008

There were some disappointments, including electric car maker Tesla hitting a wall and T. Boone Pickens putting his massive wind power project on ice. But the nascent industry also saw a lot of
significant milestones in 2008. Here are some of the green highlights.

What to Expect from Obama’s Coming Energy Initiatives

A Guest Commentary from Andrew R. Fellon

On January 20, a new era in U.S. energy policy will begin. President-elect Obama promises a profound shift in emphasis, and involvement, in the energy industry by the federal government. With it will come changes in regulations, tax laws and spending initiatives that will impact virtually every industry in America. Barack Obama’s energy policy is based on his belief that that United States must become more energy efficient, more environmentally responsible, and less reliant on foreign oil. While other presidents have had similar goals, Obama has made it clear that energy reform will be a centerpiece of his administration.

Why Not Geothermal Energy as Base Load Power?

The Earth Policy Institute thinks geothermal energy can become an economic substitute to provide base load energy. They say the “heat energy in the uppermost six miles of the planet’s crust is 50.000 times greater than the energy content of all oil and natural gas resources.” Maybe they’re on to something.

Commentary: Why Nuclear Isn’t Necessary

Another of the supposed benefits of nuclear energy is its reputed low cost, but this is true only of existing depreciated plants, for which fuel and operating costs are the main cost elements. For new plants, capital costs are estimated at 5,000 to $8,000 per kilowatt by experts.

Editor’s Note

Why not invest a portion of the bailout money to start upgrading the U.S. electrical grid? The tax credits added to the bill will mean more renewable energy coming on line, but it won’t due much good because the current grid lacks capacity to absorb the projected increase of wind and solar power.

Commentary: How The West Will Be Won

Energy is a close second to water as an issue in western states. Most of the west was founded on, and continues to support itself by, the extraction of coal, oil, gas and timber. Because much of the western lands are state owned, leasing state land brings revenue to the state, usually to its rural school systems.

COMMENTARY: EXPECT COMPROMISE ON ENERGY

Only solar power has the promise to supply massive amounts of energy, assuming we can make it more efficient. Colorado can help meet the huge national energy appetite and reduce carbon dioxide emissions at the same time - but there will, of course, be trade-offs.

Federal Leases Benefit All of Us

Commentary
By Marita K. Noon, Executive Director, CARE

On July 16, history was made. The July BLM lease sale netted more than $41.4 million through seventy-eight parcels in four states-the highest amount received at any BLM lease sale nationwide to date. This sale benefits all of us.