Green:New Means, Same Ends

Here's a compilation of polls concerning energy from PollingReport.com. Based on the results, the overwhelming majority of Americans recognize that energy policy needs to change, but they differ when it comes to the reason. One question asked if the government should focus on developing new sources of energy or protecting the environment:

Environment: 21
New Energy: 62
Both: 14

New energy development trumps environmental protection. Notice how people had the option to say both, but instead chose energy resources. Of course, renewable energies fulfill both needs.

Perhaps the difference between success and failure of new energy technologies is not whether there is demand for them, but how the energy providers market themselves. The business model is critical, but so is the brand message.  Advocates for environmental protection will support clean tech for new energy, but those hoping for new energy don't have a reason to respond to calls for protection of the environment. The demand for new energy resources isn't really in support of green living so much as it is for the "success" of the nation.