You are right that there is more focus on alternative energy now than ever before, but it is not nearly enough because it still isn’t comparatively profitable here in the U.S. because of various things including our very low gas taxes. But with the other issue I mentioned, climate change, there is very little being done by companies. Again, it is understandable from their perspective, but it is irresponsible for our society to turn a blind eye to this dangerous pattern.

Also, don’t you think there is a considerable amount of technological innovation in the field of alternative fuels? Enough that companies aren’t spending more than their budget can afford. Technological advances in Ethanol E85 (especially in the field of cellulosic Ethanol), Hydrogen cells, and biofuels are receiving more time and money than ever before. The market force and incentive is there, relatively speaking, and time and ingenuity are being invested into research and development for alternative fuel sources.

Not to sound too apocalyptic, but a energy “disaster,” or “crisis” (like an oil embargo or OPEC meltdown) could result in even more public support and political capital for technological advancement in alternative fuels. Disasters typically do produce the proverbial technological deus ex machina.