Clean Energy is Mired in Politics

[Dogmudgeon]

The mire seems to be that the companies want to assume NO risk whatsoever. Yet they have already been allocated a hefty $80 billion to start work.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fi-energy-invest22-2010feb22,0,1971914.story">Clean Energy is Mired in Politics

Reporting from Washington - At a time when the U.S. economy is desperate for jobs and investment in future growth, a slew of clean-energy projects are on hold largely because of political stalemate in Washington.

With President Obama's energy and climate proposals bottled up in Congress, business leaders say they cannot tell what direction government policy will take on a variety of issues, including new energy taxes, tougher emissions standards for factories and vehicles, and guaranteed markets for start-up wind and solar power plants.

...

Partly because of the bad economy, U.S. venture capitalists cut total clean-energy spending by half last year from a 2008 peak.

The Obama administration earmarked more than $80 billion in its economic stimulus package for clean energy, including research ventures, home weatherization programs and manufacturing tax credits.

...

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fi-energy-invest22-2010feb22,0,1971914.story">Read "Clean Energy is Mired in Politics" at the LA Times online

I'm sure it's a great opportunity for aggressive young companies. I guess nobody wants to do anything until that first contract is signed.

--d!

[OKIsItJustMe]

1. Call your senators today!

http://cpaf.repoweramerica.org/page/s/repowerhotline

Support a clean energy jobs bill: Call your Senator today

The Senate recently introduced their version of landmark clean energy legislation we've been working on for years. We need this bill to create jobs and to end the destructive cycle that hurts our planet and our economy by sending millions of dollars overseas that could support clean energy produced by American workers.

Call your Senator: 1-877-9-REPOWER (1-877-9-737-6937)

When you use our hotline, you will be given talking points and simple instructions on how to leave a message with your Senator.

...

[joshcryer]

3. Is this in regards to the reports about 80% of "clean energy" funds going overseas?

[OKIsItJustMe]

4. No

But, feel free to mention it while you're on the phone...

[phantom power]

2. At my previous employer, the CEO was/is having a *very* hard time securing VC...

for a product line designed for use with wind turbines. They are tighter than a bug's ass right now.