Upon taking office in January, President-elect Obama will face a daunting array of challenges to our nation’s prosperity. Short-term issues include severe financial credit disruptions, economy instability and rising unemployment. But the biggest trial for the new administration will be how to address these pressing issues while, at the same time, solving long-term challenges, like creating a more efficient and sustainable energy future for America.
The good news is that economic and sustainability issues go hand in hand. There is a way to secure our energy future while building our economy and creating jobs. When we talk about creating alternative sources of energy – whether it’s wind, solar or biofuels – we often overlook a vital, untapped resource right here at home: the ingenuity, talent and productivity of U.S. workers.