Comments on: The Shape of the Race for new energy http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/the-shape-of-the-race-for-new-energy/ Sun, 28 Dec 2008 23:45:45 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: jaf http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/the-shape-of-the-race-for-new-energy/#comment-130 jaf Sun, 28 Dec 2008 11:39:00 +0000 http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/?p=419#comment-130 That's a tough distinction to make politically. Either way, what if we invest in battery storage but the market beats us on battery production. Then what? That’s a tough distinction to make politically. Either way, what if we invest in battery storage but the market beats us on battery production. Then what?

]]> By: hzl2 http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/the-shape-of-the-race-for-new-energy/#comment-129 hzl2 Sat, 27 Dec 2008 23:29:32 +0000 http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/?p=419#comment-129 the automakers can't cooperate effectively, that's been proven. If they had the ability to look out for the best interest of the industry, then we would have had more efficient vehicles ages ago. I see the issue of the car battery separately from the issue of battery storage for wind and solar energy. Aid from congress to the former would be a pretty apparent promotion of a national industry at great risk of being outdone by other national competitors. I am not sure this is a role they should play--although they have done so before. On the other hand, I see promotion of battery storage for wind and solar energy as a global imperative that would have particular national advantages if we were responsible for it. I know this is a subtle difference at best, but it seems more right to support the latter and let the former be decided on market principles (to the degree that those still exist). the automakers can’t cooperate effectively, that’s been proven. If they had the ability to look out for the best interest of the industry, then we would have had more efficient vehicles ages ago. I see the issue of the car battery separately from the issue of battery storage for wind and solar energy. Aid from congress to the former would be a pretty apparent promotion of a national industry at great risk of being outdone by other national competitors. I am not sure this is a role they should play–although they have done so before. On the other hand, I see promotion of battery storage for wind and solar energy as a global imperative that would have particular national advantages if we were responsible for it. I know this is a subtle difference at best, but it seems more right to support the latter and let the former be decided on market principles (to the degree that those still exist).

]]> By: jaf http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/2008/12/26/the-shape-of-the-race-for-new-energy/#comment-128 jaf Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:28:39 +0000 http://knowthecauses.wordpress.com/?p=419#comment-128 If this is the way to reclaim the American auto industry, why haven't the auto execs been pushing for it in Washington? Especially if it would keep factory workers relevant. Plus I would have to imagine that the American advantage in infrastructure (one we're slowly losing) has to make some difference. Is it time for Congress to actively intervene to promote a public good? Perhaps if the automakers can't cooperate effectively... If this is the way to reclaim the American auto industry, why haven’t the auto execs been pushing for it in Washington? Especially if it would keep factory workers relevant. Plus I would have to imagine that the American advantage in infrastructure (one we’re slowly losing) has to make some difference.

Is it time for Congress to actively intervene to promote a public good? Perhaps if the automakers can’t cooperate effectively…

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