Renewable energy revolution

[Sustainability]

President Obama wants to quick-start the renewable energy revolution. While Congress and Obama moved quickly to pass the stimulus legislation, corporate planning for the future is highly measured. An increase in green energy must overcome business obstacles.

[SkywlkrSnd]

This is a very valid point and strikes to the core of whether or not the green energy revolution will thrive or fizzle. It has to be economically viable. Quite frankly, someone's gotta be able to make a profit off of green energy. Businesses are in business to make money, plain and simple.

Forward thinking proponents of the green revolution (like the members of this forum) are great and are an integral part to getting this going. But the outcome will ultimately lie in the hands of those who do not necessarily feel as we do about the whole situation. There has to be something in it for them.

Why do businesses now do "green" things, such as build a new LEED-certified headquarters or something? Public relations and long term cost savings. In other words: potential more money coming in, and less money going out. (Yes, some actually do it because they know it's the responsible thing to do by the Earth - and kudos to those businesses.)