New Energy Economy

A new report from the Earth Policy Institute is extolling the potential of the emerging new energy economy in the United States -- potential is my refrain -- I'm a little cynical of sustaining the investment without an enforcing regulatory environment to make sure the playing field is level and the commitment is unwavering. My cynicism isn't unfounded. The dangers of climate change has been apparent to those who wanted to know, for years -- decades even. The majority still don't view it as a problem that needs near term action. What is driving the shift in energy investment is the constraint on access to fossil fuels. If that changes, expect businesses and consumers to take the easy way out. I don't for a minute believe that the shift currently happening is wholly out of shared concern with the green movement.