In Obama’s recent address to Congress he called for the submissions of Cap and Trade policies for the United States of America. It looks as if by the end of 2009 the USA will be the last developed country to adopt a carbon trading scheme, but what will this scheme look like and what will be done with the money earned from the selling of permits?

In short, a Cap a Trade policy puts a cap on the amount of carbon industries and organizations are allowed to expel. These companies would buy pollution permits from the government, and can then buy and sell these permits amongst themselves, so that companies who can reduce more efficiently can sell excess permits to those who are unable to reduce in a financial feasible manner.

The government, as a result, will collect vast sums of new funds from the selling of these permits through the creation of a regulated carbon-polluting market.

There are a three different philosophies at the moment on what should be with this new revenue …read more of The Cap and Trade Conundrum here

Our children need to be given every opportunity they can to help align the paths of development and environmental sustainability. Those opportunities begin in our education system.

In a recent weekly address President-elect Barack Obama conveyed part of his plan to jump start the economy through the creation of green jobs by energy-retrofitting government buildings and schools: “My economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen. We will repair broken schools, make them energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st century economy, we need to send them to 21st century schools.”

These words are a flash of brilliance that makes me believe in the hope and change ahead for America. It is from our youthful generations that the next wave or innovation and entrepreneurship will come, so why shouldn’t they have every advantage the 21st century can offer. …read more of The Best Investment Tax Money Can Buy here

“Energy Independence” is a statement often dissipated recently in the Presidential race. Interestingly, both sides seem to claim that they are the champions who can achieve this magnificent feat. The importance of energy independence in this globalized world was struck home by Barack Obama in the third debate at Hofstra University: “If we invest in a serious energy policy, we will save the amount of money we’re borrowing from China to send to Saudi Arabia.” While both campaigns claim to uphold the banner of energy independence, they are each proselytizing very different answers for achieving this goal. …read more of What’s the Price for Nuclear Technology? here