Fusion technology plants, of which the French just won the international contract over Japan to build in France, is decades away and not a viable near-term solution to the impending oil crunch (see
http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/). Current nuclear technology is not a good option because open nuclear waste pools are easy targets; Nevada certainly doesn't like the Yucca option much either. That leaves us with the opinion of the respected
Worldwatch Institute who say that the world will transition to a hybrid solar-hydrogen powered economy. I believe that Dems need to make a concerted effort, a campaign-style effort, like yesterday, for this energy transition; this will help a lot with the "vision" criticisms and will cross-inoculate on criticisms of liberals on foreign policy (i.e. fight the terrorist's source of funding: oil). Pushing conservation is great and absolutely necessary but a solar/hydrogen campaign might capture people's imaginations.
I propose a campaign on this that goes on until success is realized decades away; it could reinvigorate Dems and be a foundation for electoral success.
More..
Thanks once again to
California Dems leading the way (and yes, Arnold deserves some credit), solar will soon be much cheaper and competitive with the skyrocketing, dwindling oil stocks. If implemented in conjuction with emerging hydrogen fuel cell generators that operate per neighborhood or per home (currently running city blocks in New York City as proof of concept) and if we nationally adopt the reselling of home generated power to the power grid, we have a chance to avoid apocalyptic scenarios including the inevitable
future confrontation with China over oil.. Whether it is a military or economic clash, it will happen one way or the other.
And regarding oil and China, who recently rattled the nuclear saber at the US over Taiwan, I'm sure many of we news junkies have seen the doomsday articles and such on the nightmare scenario if action is not taken, again, like yesterday: many experts say that our future holds either an economic or an oil war with China. Pretty bleak stuff unless the shift to hydrogen and solar is accelerated.
Read about :
New York's fuel cell generators.