
American Management Association
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ix
FOREWORD
O
nce before, America stood on the threshold of a renewable-energy
revolution. In the late 1970s, wind farms were popping up in Califor-
nia. Companies making solar photovoltaic cells were attracting waves
of new capital. Passive solar building designs, ultra-efficient windows, and
energy-saving lamps were all very chic. Biofuels had strong supporters in the
farm and forestry sectors, and national labs were exploring cellulosic ethanol
and diesel fuel from microalgae.
President Carter had declared a goal of obtaining 20 percent of the nation’s
energy from renewable sources by the year 200