The Vector: The Energy Challenge
Americans used 4.5% less energy during 2009 than they did in 2008, while wind power generation jumped a dramatic 37.25% last year, according to a recent report released by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Natural gas use declined, while solar, hydro and geothermal power all recorded gains. US carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption fell 7% from 2008 to 2009, according to the annual energy review of the Energy Information Administration.
But let’s not get too excited.
It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Hermann Scheer, a man who will always be remembered for his incredible vision — and effectiveness — with respect to the deployment of renewables. Through his tireless work over 30 years in the German Parliament, his country soared to a position of unrivaled leadership in replacing fossil fuels and nuclear with solar, wind, biomass and hydro. Germany deployed more solar power last year than the rest of the world combined. 
You’ll travel far to find someone with more provocative and important observations on the subject of transportation than 
Good news: After a considerable chain of referrals, I have a really good starting point for my next book. My strategy is to make sure my first interview is with someone who can really take me on a deep dive into the big-picture macro-economics of clean energy (particularly job creation) both here in the US, and internationally as well.
A few readers have written in, worried about Aptera, afraid that they might have gone belly-up. No, they’re alive and well, though still in pre-production. They’ve moved to a nice facility in Oceanside, which I plan to visit next time I drive to San Diego: 
I spent a chunk of the day hunting up mailing addresses for the most influential folks in environmentalism/sustainability I could find — the Al Gores and Bill McKibbens of the world. I’d like to send a a signed copy of 
My first duty tomorrow morning is dropping off my daughter Valerie at school. 
Traipsing around the Solar Power International show just now, I was struck by the overwhelming scale of the event itself. I was one of a swarm of people – tens of thousands of them from countries all over the world — rambling over two gigantic halls hosting acres of displays.
