Clean Energy Nation: Freeing America from the Tyranny of Fossil Fuels

What one change could preserve democracy, increase national security, reduce health care costs, increase business output, and improve public health? U.S. Congressman and renewable energy engineer McNerney (of Pleasanton, Calif.), with tech journalist Cheek, cover the history and future with fossil fuels, illustrating the enormous potential of renewable energy-including solar, wind, biomass, nuclear, geothermal, water, and hydrogen-to head off a grim fate for Western civilization, from diminishing food supplies to setbacks in education. With milestones including 75 percent energy independence from OPEC by 2020, the authors compare their goal to the American Revolution in importance and scope, but never grow sanctimonious. In measured language, this volume reviews current, past and future U.S. policy, as well as renewable energy projects and goals around the world, concluding with concrete suggestions for implementing clean energy (including education, international partnerships and financing). Addressing skeptics, the authors question whether ""our nation's free market system truly benefits by providing petroleum companies with substantial financial subsidies,"" and make a convincing case for other arrangements.