Down to Earth Blog

Former V.P. Proposes 'Connie Mae' and 'Electranet': In a speech at the New York University School of Law yesterday, Al Gore presented his plan to fight global warming. According to the Washington Post story, "Gore Unveils Global Warming Plan," he urged "a series of steps from freezing carbon dioxide emissions to revamping the auto industry, factories and farms."

Gore also proposed a "Carbon Neutral Mortgage Association ("Connie Mae," to echo the familiar Fannie Mae) devoted to helping homeowners retrofit and build energy-efficient homes. He urged creation of an "electranet," which would let homeowners and business owners buy and sell surplus electricity."

These ideas sound good to me. We should definitely encourage people to build energy-efficient homes, or to retrofit old ones, maybe through larger tax breaks or small grants. Saving energy benefits everyone: homeowners, the nation and the planet.

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