Recently, as I enthusiastically explained to my mother the work that I am doing with the Natural Resources Defense Council punctuating the importance of energy policy in the future administration, she looked at me with a smirk and responded, "Honey, we have been here before." My mother recalls the gas lines of the 1970's and having to reevaluate the need to travel as frequently. She explained that she and my father have recently made changes to their transportation practices, which included purchasing a smaller vehicle that used less gasoline and planning her errands to reduce the amount that she was required to travel. I was proud-she was adapting her behavior and doing her part as we each like to think that we also do, even if on occasion.

In recent weeks I have also spoken with friends in the Southeast who have waited in line for hours, and called me to try to better understand what was "going on". Their inquiries were welcomed but indicative of the general disconnect that many have with the true cost of energy in our country and abroad. These changes in behavior, in practice and by simply seeking information, made me look upon our current situation in confusion and pity. To think of what we have accomplished since the 1970's can only make you scratch your head in concern when you think of the current status of our national energy policy that first needs to reflect our nation's global impact on natural resources and economies as the country with the largest energy consumption in terms of total use. This leads me to the purpose of this introductory blog, which is in direct response to the October 21, 2008 New York Times article written by Clifford Krauss entitled, "Alternative Energy Suddenly Faces Headwinds"; to explore why this time our choices simply put, must be different. Krauss describes the recent economic impact on the shares of energy companies as a result of our struggling economy. The fear of the "unknown" is always an impediment to progress. To that end, I would submit, that we simply cannot afford to have future generations recounting previous decades where they too stood in line for gas. This is not a pompous statement that articulates how wholly inconvenient it is to wait for gas, but the notion of waiting in line for hours for gasoline is inefficient and inherently in conflict with what would be expected practice in a country so advanced; especially when solutions are available are awaiting implementation and funding.

We are beyond the initial skepticism about the promise that renewable forms of energy can afford us. The Danish wind industry was the largest producer of electricity from wind farms in the world with roughly 20,000 jobs created in Denmark as a result and 90% of the production from Danish manufactures is sold abroad. This is only the beginning for Denmark as they anticipate an increase in wind power from roughly 20% to 50% by 2025, primarily as a result of offshore wind farms. Earlier this week, the UK became the largest generator of electricity from offshore wind farms in the world as it completed the construction of a wind farm near the coast off Skegness, Lincolnshire. As other countries take the lead on renewable energy while we generate the political will and courage to move with a sense of urgency in that direction, opportunities are lost as Krauss recounts. For example, difficulty in raising capital has delayed wind projects and electric vehicles. With a fall of $17.8 billion of alternative energy project financing in the third quarter, with an additional slide anticipated in the fourth quarter and next year-the sense of urgency for advancing these initiatives has never been more acute. I would be remiss in acknowledging the need to execute with thoughtful intention and sensitivity to the environmental impacts of all renewable energy projects. Moving forward with this in mind, we must understand that a repeat of the 1980's where alternative energy initiatives collapsed as we eagerly returned to conventional fuels is simply an antiquated and cowardice response to an issue that must constantly evolve.

A time for evolution is also present with respect to our nation's transportation infrastructure. Our transportation infrastructure is aging and should be replaced with the best that we have to offer in terms of clean fuels with low emissions. Fox News reported on October 15, 2008 that Former Presidents Clinton and George H.W. Bush are again joining forces in hurricane recovery to rebuild the Gulf Coast community. While this is a noble effort, it is one traditionally left to current government officials and a revamping of our aging infrastructure will be required throughout most of the country during the next administration, not just coastal communities. Both the opportunity for renewable energy and employment is immense.

So where do we go from here? The million dollar question remains, "how long will credit be tight and how low oil and natural gas prices will fall." Yes, we are at war, and energy and national security have an intimate relationship. However, what provides the most encouragement in the face of a looming 80's relapse is the political will, laws and policies that are now supportive of a renewable energy agenda. In the New York Times on October 19, 2008 article, "If Elected...On Global Warming, McCain and Obama Agree: Urgent Action is Needed," both candidates declared their intention to act urgently by proposing legislation that would require sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by mid-century. Reduced emissions naturally extend to a real commitment to the implementation of renewable energy, one that can weather the storm of economic turmoil. Furthermore, if the next president orders the regulation of carbon dioxide by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the impetus to move beyond fossil fuels will be met with the rigor that should have materialized decades ago.

The most prudent course of action can be found in a diversified approach that places the emphasis on emissions reduction, efficiency and renewables. Traditional fossil fuels will continue to preclude the emergence of renewables as long as they continue to be subsidized. Deployment subsidies for renewables only begin to level the playing field. Fostering alternatives like renewable energy would not only promote capitalism and the free market at its core, but progressive energy advancement. Such measures more accurately reflect the innovation that has been American since the beginning of time and will, undoubtedly, require political and economic support even during these difficult times.

In the 1970's, compliments of the Arab Oil Embargo, we adapted to help reduce consumption of oil by setting laws like the Emergency Highway Energy Conservation Act which set a national speed limit of 55 mph, passed the National Energy Act of 1978 which is responsible for the development of the Department of Energy and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards where Congress created a 27.5 mile per gallon fuel consumption mandate.

Before we go back to ideas like implementing a year-round daylight savings time, it is my sincere hope, that we individually reevaluate our day-to-day practices and collectively provide an opportunity for renewables to offer our country a change in course. If I have it my way, an 80's relapse will truly be a thing of the past and years from now I will not have to recount gas line stories to my daughter by saying, "Honey we have been here before."