Bush Administration Slows Growth Of Solar Energy

Despite George Bush's recent overtures towards clean energy, he truly does have his BFFs in the oil and gas industry closest to his heart. Heck, George was a failed oil man himself, drinking Texas Tea and what not before the days in the MLB, State House and White House. So when these pesky solar energy people come riding into town, trying to save us from ourselves, what does Bush have his Administration do?

From The Grist Mill:

BLM contemplates two-year moratorium on solar power plant construction in the West-

Oh, now they care about careful environmental assessment? Oil and gas development is spreading over the American West like a cancer, but this, this solar stuff ... it's a bridge too far!

So Congress and the feds are going to let the solar investment tax credit lapse and institute a moratorium on deployment in the best solar states -- two body blows to an nascent clean energy industry. That is some crackerjack energy policy.

For the oil and gas lobby, it is a solid energy policy plan. With prices going sky high and Americans spending more of their dollars on energy as opposed to anything else, it is a great day indeed. And if that hurts the solar energy that is trying to make a difference on our planet, well then screw em. It's the George Bush way!