The Speculist

Hmmm....

We need a program of alternative energy as civil defense. This has not happened; we need to start asking why not.

I consider myself a futurist, with big plans for tomorrow. But I take objection to rhetoric that might lead people to conclude a massive government plan is the best possible plan. Phrasing a good idea in the wrappings of what is normally an entirely governmental activity, defense, is bad. This is doubly so considering the government’s track record at energy policy.



I would much rather environmentalists market themselves to consumers to buy alternative energy and increase investment in such technologies. The alternatives are subsidies for old tech, tax breaks for un-marketable products, and warping regulations.



They should push _research_. Here. I agree with Future Pundit.



We should avoid the grand plan. Here, I agree with Cafe Hayek.

If the research money came from taxes on the sources we want to discourage (or pollutants ditto) you could kill two birds with one stone.