Originally Posted by jalami

I think it's a good start. The thing about electricity generation, whether it be nuclear, hydro, windfarms or solar, or even coal and oil for that matter, is that the bitch isn't generating electricity, it's transmitting it. If wind power is readily available in one part of the country (say Texas for example) it's really only of feasible use in Texas and neighboring states.

The true Plan to fix America's dependency on oil is to implement a variety of options, including the Pickens Plan. Solar (particular solar concentrating power as a far superior alternative to photovoltaics -- look it up) would be great for the Southwest -- with the proper investment it wouldn't be hard to bring that up to 20%. Clean coal is also a great option that should be used more extensively in areas with plenty of coal.

And let's not forget the real alternative folks -- Nuclear power. Before I hear anyone say the word "waste" I'll preemptively counter it with "reprocessing." Look it up. If it weren't for Jimmy Carter's misguided policy to ban civilian nuclear reprocessing in 1977, we'd actually be able to use the byproducts of a regular reactor to breed fuel forever and ever. Countries like Japan (which is reopening the Monju reactor this year) that don't have spare room to store the byproducts on a permanent basis are working on reusing them for even MORE energy.

Of course there's always properly inflating your tires -- i.e. the Obama Plan ;)