I did say there were exceptions. However, I have noticed that there seems to be a very thin line in the environmental movement between "Look at what you can do with biofuels" to "Let's pass a law requiring everyone to use biofuels."

The fact is that only advanced societies with a good supply of surplus wealth have the luxury of caring about the environment to the extent that we are. And you aren't going to have that when the economy is down the tubes. Keep that in mind when throwing wonderful proposals out on how

The market is the best solution for resource supply issues. Government is a valid solution for pollution (property damage) issues.

Oil is a mess right now because it is a major factor in both areas. There are supply issues, and greenhouse gas issues. I think progress can be made if:

- The price of oil is allowed to rise naturally. NO subsidies to support lower fuel prices. This will generate alternatives faster than any government program would. The eagerness with which hybrid cars (still expensive, and as yet, not that much more effective) are being accepted shows that there is a market for this.

- Bring nuclear power back into the mix. This includes breeder technology, which is essential to the long-term supply of fissionables. There are technical issues, but they can be dealt with by reasonable solutions.

Nuclear power isn't going to fix the gasoline problem unless electric cars are hydrogen are rolled in, but it will conserve coal and natural gas, and keep a LOT of CO2 out of the air. Not to mention the other crap associated with coal use.

Environmentalism has externalities, too.

One example that comes to mind: I have a lot of fluorescent bulbs in various fixtures in my house. They save energy, particularly in fixtures that are on a lot (you still can't use them on dimmers). However, they are not only more expensive initially, but an old fluorescent bulb is a toxic waste product. Ideally, I'm not even supposed to toss those in my trash. Not many people bring that up.

Biofuels don't always balance out either. A lot of work is being done on plants that produce biofuel, and grow in marginal land with little water. This has possibilities. If you have to irrigate and fertilize a biofuel crop (like corn), you may be coming out short.

Personally, I think a big turnaround point will come when methods of decentralized renewable power production (basically, solar cells on your roof or a fuel cell by your garage) turn the corner on price and availability. I see signs that this will not be too far in the future.