In his recent State of the Union Address, President Obama urged Congress to pass a clean energy bill that will ensure reform, adding that such action will create jobs, cut oil imports and reduce emissions of the heat-trapping gases that contribute to global warming. Said Obama, "I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such changes in a tough economy; and I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future - because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

Photo courtesy of Climate Progress

President Obama's recent 2011 budget proposal includes a 92% increase in clean energy investment, as well as cutting $36.5 billion in coal and oil subsidies. Will YOUR town be ready to tap into federal funds for renewable energy implementation? While some environmental critics are wary of the budget's loan guarantees for nuclear power, Americans can rest assured that the US government will certainly be increasing investments in renewable energy.

We'd like to hear stories about how your town or city plans to prepare for investments in renewable energy over the next two years, as federal funds become available for various municipal energy initiatives. As always, please keep us informed by dropping us a line at hgimt@grassrootsinfo.org.

- Michael Crowley
"How Green is My Town?"