The U.S. is surely sliding into a deep recession as the subprime loan debacle and inevitable stagflation that sky-high energy prices cause erode consumer spending power. Politicians cringe because an angry electorate is more than just a threat at election time, so they continue to pour in billions of taxpayer dollars to keep the crumbling financial system (and economy) somewhat afloat.

If taxpayer dollars were instead funneled into both small and massive “green” ventures around the nation, with more than just the simplistic concepts so far proposed, the economy would grow. Three things must change for this nation to thrive.

First, to become energy-independent, otherwise we just enrich other nations. In particular, all of our transportation modes need to utilize renewable energy resources. We already produce prodigious amounts of those hydrocarbon resources, but need the infrastructure to efficiently convert and use them.

Second, to maintain our current lifestyles, our structures must dramatically reduce our energy requirements. While not a monumental task, current government policies do not effectively reinforce nor reward “green” construction.

Third, and most important, we must dominate the manufacturing of products that will make our lifestyles energy-efficient. Heavy investments in manufacturing the needed “green” components such as highly efficient electric motors for our transportation and very cost-effective solar and wind energy collection systems will grow the economy.

The time is ripe for green technologies, but are we as a nation wise enough to grasp this reality?

Randall Hofland

Stockton Springs