"Expect Democrats who take control of Congress in January to talk about alternative energy as a way to create new jobs, from factory workers who assemble windmills to construction workers who build new ethanol plants." "I do not see the prospect of a 180-degree pivot on energy policy," said Baldwin, who hopes nonetheless that the new Congress can at least remove regulatory obstacles." http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/e...ergy-jobs_x.htm http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/e...ergy-jobs_x.htm
The correct kind of alternative energy can and does spur long-term sustainable employment and healthy robust communities. Renewables encourage local long-term investment in education, churches, businesses, parks and other institutions. So-called alternative energy such as biofuels are short-term measures that perpetuate ostentatious consumption and waste and still contribute to particulate matter and emissions. A rational person first completes an energy audit to determine demand and need, then makes major efforts at conservation (vs. "go get more"). Current "alternative energy" efforts are nothing more than continuing to subsitute oil for knowledge. True alternative energy maximizes appropriate and timely use of local resources (elevation, weather, climate, soils, aspect, heating- and cooling-degree days). It makes no sense to import fresh berries to North America from Chile in January, when we can harvest our own in July. Human-centered efficient transportation includes light rail, bicycles, walking and good community design. Good community design makes it easy to function for church, school, work and recreation.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(HBO6 @ Dec 23 2006, 11:17 AM) [snapback]366003[/snapback]</div> If you can create jobs building bombs and tanks, I see no reason why you can't create jobs making solar panels and windmills.
