Freakanomics hosted a debate on whether an investment in clean technology will be affected by the recession. It was a question that has lumbered around in our brains for a while and our apprehension was confirmed when George Tolley said “the major kicker clouding the future remains how high the international price of oil will be; this is a more powerful influence on clean technology adoption than any U.S. policy.” That statement always begs another question: When gas prices go down, are drivers contented to return to old habits?

But there are many significant indications of optimism. “More broadly, I think the financial crisis will be remembered as a catalyst for public-policy changes that benefited clean energy,” said Ethan Zindler, and he mentioned the new stimulus bill that will expand subsidies for clean energy. Full story here.

(Thanks to DTE reader Geneva for the tip.)

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