In what he likens to President John F. Kennedy’s 1961 goal
to land man on the moon by the end of the 1960s, Al
Gore is challenging the United States in a Thursday speech to rely solely
on renewable energy sources within 10 years.

The cost to achieve his goal has been estimated between $1.5
to $3 trillion, which Gore says is the same cost to build enough coal plants to
meet demand of the next 10 years. He also points out that this investment will
pay itself back in cost savings.

Gore’s goals align pretty much exactly with those of Bicycle
City’s, so we’re all in favor of seeing this come to fruition. But others
aren’t so keen on the former VP’s agenda. Some Republicans have suggested that investments
in renewable energy will increase gas prices, angering already-strapped
constituents during an important campaign period. Democrats don’t want to see
critical environmental issues buried under the frenzy over rising costs for
fuel. Both parties seem to be missing Gore’s point, which is that we have to
stop relying on non-renewable energy sources, no matter what their financial
cost.