Dark clouds over (Colorado's) solar energy economy

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/dec/30/clouds-over-new-energy-economy/

Dark clouds over solar energy economy

By Rocky Mountain News

Originally published 12:05 a.m., December 30, 2008
Updated 08:57 a.m., December 30, 2008

Colorado's bright sun, gusty winds and plentiful plant and animal waste are meant to power the new energy economy.

Under this vision, new electricity plants will use solar and wind energy, depending less on coal or natural gas, both of which spew carbon dioxide when burned and heat up the Earth's atmosphere. Vehicles, too, will run on ethanol and biodiesel made from agricultural and forest products, not gasoline and diesel refined from foreign oil.

Two years ago, the plan was put into practice after voters passed Amendment 37, directing utilities to get a portion of their electricity from solar, wind and biomass. That kick-started the sputtering new industry, helping it to double-digit growth in the past year.

…

But the soaring industry has gone into a tailspin recently - in tandem with the rest of the economy. A deepening credit crunch, coupled with waning demand from worried customers, put many new energy companies out of business. Projects got pulled and jobs were slashed.

…

[kristopher]

1. ummm...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x181097

[OKIsItJustMe]

2. Yup, it's all about balance

Good with the bad.