The politics of "green" are playing a large role in the 2012 presidential election. Both Republican candidates and President Barack Obama are focusing on clean energy and environmentally friendly jobs. The issue of clean energy alternatives is two-fold. The desire to reduce America's carbon footprint and become better stewards of Mother Earth has been an important liberal cause for years, but a growing number of conservatives also have developed a "greener" mindset. Reducing the nation's dependence upon foreign oil and keeping and jobs in the United States is a prime concern for many fiscal conservatives and a growing number of liberals.
Neither major political party has a monopoly on the "green" vote. President Obama was expected to be the "greenest" leader in history, but has fallen far short of the mark. There will be at least six more debates before the first presidential primary vote in cast in 2012. Both Obama and Republican challengers have ample opportunity to court voters with clean energy concerns.
The use of natural gas to power our cars and homes may soon become a reality in Ohio thanks to the efforts of Republican Governor John Kasich. Increased access to shale drilling leases and initiatives to attract auto makers with to produce natural gas powered cars to the state will create a multitude of "green" jobs while increasing the tax base.
Natural gas is not the only alternative to traditional gasoline and coal. A host of other options also offer a reduced reliance upon foreign oil. The ready availability and cost of producing and using alternative sources of power varies widely by type.
Clean Energy Alternatives
Electric Vehicles - Theses vehicles would be very useful for folks living in a city, but not practical for rural residents. It is not uncommon for rural and suburban residents to drive more than 35 miles to get to work, cultural events or even a shopping center. If charging stations are offered at places of business, hotels and malls, the feasibility of electric car usage would grow.
Biodiesel - Animal fat, algae or vegetable oil can be used to create biodiesel. Recycling oil from restaurants would add to the "green" aspect of this type of fuel. Conversion kits for gasoline powered vehicles and the ease in which the fuel can be made at home add to the viability of biodiesel fuel as a true alternative to fossil fuel. A major biodiesel plant constructed in Ohio four years ago failed due to the inability to garner necessary equipment in America. Alternative Liquid Fuels (ALF Industries) received grants and low-interest loans, but went belly-up when an overseas supplies took more than six months to deliver EPA approved storage tanks.
Ethanol - Gas stations already routinely offer fuel tempered with a small percentage of ethanol. The alcohol based liquid is comprised of potatoes, sugar cane or corn. The renewable nature of ethanol and lack of greenhouse gas emissions make it a star among fossil fuel alternatives.
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