As a country, we have not abandoned our commitment to transforming our energy system, but our commitment is slipping a bit. First came the news in July that the plan for the world's biggest wind farm had been put on hold in the Texas panhandle due to capital flow problems and the relatively low price of gas. More recently it is looking like it won't be possible to get an energy bill out of the senate this year, which means it will need to wait for next year for Pres. Obama's desk.
I can understand why these things happened, but I think we need to rise to the next level, where, when the going gets difficult, do what needs to be done to stay on track. After all, we're supposed to be doubling renewable energy output between 2009 and 2012, right? The Texas wind project was a private undertaking aimed at producing electricity for private electricity markets, but with bold government leadership, the problems might have been worked out to hold the project together, since it would have provide a big step toward the 2012 target. Same with the energy bill: yes, there is a huge debate going on around health care right now, but the energy transition will take sustained commitment over many years. Who is to say what 'showstopper' issues will trump energy in the future, if we don't get in the habit of making progress toward sustainable energy at every opportunity?
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