How the economy affects clean tech

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.)