I won't be popular; but I suggest that as you consider what to do about renewable energy, you look at the Scientific American article of Jan 2008 entitled "A Solar Grand Plan." It speaks of generating electrical energy in the solar rich Southwestern U.S. and bringing it to places like New York on low cost efficient high voltage dc. We import oil 6000 miles from the Middle East. Why not import renewable domestic electrical energy where it is cheapest to make?

Back in 1973 during the Mideast Oil Crisis the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson had these words to say about solar energy during a public talk:

"A nation that is dependent on others for its energy needs, finds its strength diminished and weakened. The crippling dependency on foreign energy sources, particularly oil, has sometimes prevented the U.S. from following policies that are in accord with its ideals of justice.

But it need not be so. The U.S. does have the resources, and this country, with G-d’s help, can be self-sufficient in energy. The problem lies elsewhere, in the failure to utilize G-d’s gifts to their fullest. The realization that America’s wealth has always been G-d given must inevitably lead to the realization that G-d will not now leave this country unequipped to fulfill its great mission of bringing good and peace to the world. The motto on this country’s currency is "In G-d We Trust." We need but live up to it.

There are various sources from which the U.S. can derive its energy needs.

There is, however, one energy source which can be made available in a very short time. Solar energy is non-polluting, cheap, and inexhaustible. Already used in many countries, it can power individual homes as well as giant factories. The United States has been blessed with plentiful sunshine, especially in the south, and it is no great technological feat to transport the energy derived from it to other parts of the country. The entire United States, and indeed, other countries not so well blessed with sunshine, can have their energy needs met with the solar energy produced in the southern United States. The U.S.A. need but have the proper determination, brush aside all opposition, and very quickly solve its energy problems. Then, no longer dependent on foreign countries, it can utilize its G-d given assets to influence peoples around the world -- to be productive, G-d fearing citizens.

This is a country which has traditionally been full of kindness and compassion to those less fortunate than itself. The determination to continue in this admirable work lends urgency to the necessity of utilizing all possible assets. We do this not for our own selfish, egocentric purposes; for G-d has blessed this country richly, and it is our duty to use those riches to their fullest good.

With the independence and power thus granted to it, the United States can fulfill its role of bringing peace and stability to this sorely troubled planet.

Starting with solar energy, the U.S.A. must quickly as possible begin its program of energy self-sufficiency. Let those who hinder the pursuit of peace take heed of this determination, and be warned that this country will not allow the havoc and chaos to continue. Just the knowledge that the U.S. is preparing to do so will contribute immeasurably to the stilling of the madness and instability presently rampant. Then speedily we will come to the time when all will be peace and plenty, in the final redemption through our Righteous Redeemer."