With the new CAFE standards coming into effect this is just the tip of the iceberg. Plug-in hybrids (see http://featured.matternetwork.com/2008/1/plug-ins-race-revolutionize-transportation.cfm) and ethanol vehicles can have the greatest impact on a company's fleet fuel economy average, so expect the number of green vehicles to double each year. Hopefully the tax code will change to reflect the emphasis on cleaner vehicles.
The imbalance between incentives for producing biogas versus other alternative energy sources has been under the radar, so thanks to Mr. Morales for pointing this out. Farmers would like to participate in biogas if the economics were right (see http://featured.matter-mag.com/2007/9/farmers-want-expand-energy-slice.cfm). Also, the EPA is spending millions to reduce methane gas internationally while our domestic programs for monetizing methane burning are week. Crazy, eh?
States like Colorado and California are doing well in exploring geothermal, but we are just scratching the surface of what is possible. Chevron is doing considerable exploration of geothermal energy across the US, which has considerable untapped geothermal potential (read more here http://www.matternetwork.com/2007/9/more-geothermal-power-plants-tap.cfm) . With all of the talk of energy independence, geo thermal needs to be supported nationally through tax incentives. It doesn't require agricultural resources or harm the environment like coal or natural gas.
Add to my network
