clean energy

Just how low can the U.S. Chamber go? Pretty low, according to former Bush cyber security czar and counter-terrorism expert Richard Clarke. As part of its ongoing investigation into allegations that the U.S. Chamber engaged "private security firms" to sabotage progressive groups, Think Progress interviewed Clarke during a cyber security conference in Washington DC.

President Obama has been lavished with praise for his focus on competitiveness and clean energy in his State of the Union Address. In the midst of that praise, however, I must bring up some clear issues of concern.

First, the President has not actually made a concrete promise to protect the Clean Air Act from impending congressional attacks; he has only alluded to it.

Pressuring China, Pressuring Ourselves

The big story this week revolves around Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit to Washington and meetings with President Obama. The bulk of their conversation has been pre-packaged with less-than-savory global issues that are set to heat up already tense relations. But energy has found its way between the two world leaders as grounds for compromise.

The other day I was watching a collection of old Schoolhouse Rock songs with my son. On came "Energy," which I probably hadn't seen in 30 years. This video (see embeded at the end of this post) was made in 1978, and I was surprised how timely it is today.

I founded Viable Earth to empower people and enterprise (including communities, business, schools and organizations) to make the right green decisions, in order to accelerate our transition to a green, clean and carbon-free society.

A recent poll from Pew Research Center (subscription required) reminds me of why I'm proud to be a young person in this political climate. The poll shows a clear trend toward support for the environment and clean energy amongst younger people. The poll surveyed 1,010 adults and has a 4 point margin of error (but larger for subpopulations). The sample was then split into subgroups of ages 18-29,30-49,50-64, and 65+.

Now that the true cost of our fossil fuel addiction has become appallingly clear over the last seven weeks, the need for action is beginning to sink in with the American people.

Last week, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) struck a deal with the Democratic leadership that will allow her to force a vote on her “disapproval resolution” on the Clean Air Act on next Thursday, June 10. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that he will make a climate and energy bill a priority after the Memorial Day recess, huddling with key chairmen and working to chart out a path forward on "energy-related" legislation. At a high-profile press event President Obama identified comprehensive legislation as the long-term fix for preventing further oil-related disasters. Members of Congress are back in their states and districts all week for Memorial Day recess.