Eco-Economics

The National Wildlife Federation has put forth a case for earth-friendly energy sources that even an eco-apathetic, fiscal conservative must consider, for a moment at least. Rather than pointing to polar bears and debatable data on climate change, the NWF emphasizes how “technological change has always been the engine that has propelled America’s economy forward,” and, in turn, how investments in clean energy alternatives can “recharge America’s economy and lay the foundation for a stronger economic future,” says the group.

After all, in 2006, for example, the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries generated 8.5 million jobs and $970 billion in revenue in the U.S., says NWF, while the scale of the global marketplace for energy technologies is as large as the computer and IT industry.

We’re not so sure about NWF’s logic in connecting technology’s economic impact to a need for cap-and-trade legislation, but we like the bi-partisan appeal of the initial argument.

“America must lead the clean energy revolution,” says NWF. “We must reinvigorate our efforts to make sure the world’s solutions to global warming carry the ‘Made in America’ label.”

I think I just saw Bill O’Reilly’s eyebrow raising.