Good article.

ETS (Emission trading schemes) and cap and trade policies are fundamentally flawed and designed to suit the financial trading markets. Carbon has a price right.

Why do we as humans insist on taking the dirty route to get clean? It vexes me!

The answer is as you suggest - rapid and decisive change is required. This needs to be led by the next US president for sure.

Here's my five point plans for either Obama or McCain.

1. Company taxes from 2010 are increased based upon its emmission levels. The additional taxes (above the normal tax band) are placed into an infrastructure fund to build the new technology power base. Geothermal, nuclear, hydro and wind.

2. Emmission levels are monitored across the USA by a new business unit of the IRS. Thinnk EPA and the IRS combined. The taxman is the surest way to get the money in.

3. Company tax credits are offered to companies that voluntarily contribute 3% or more of their profits per annum into renewable technology investments. This will create the investment stream and tax deductability components to make clean energy projects viable.

4. Do not deploy ETS as this is just another market to be manipulated by the bulls and bears.

5. Legislate retrospectively that US headquartered oil companies or those trading in the usa cannot hold the patents for renewable energy technology for more that 1 year without commencing audited viability studies. The technology patents would be relinquished for non-compliance.

Cheers