Windows on the World: "We need more clean energy R&D".

Bill Gates states the obvious...  That we need more R&D money spent on clean energy.  But there are much simpler things we could be focusing on right now!

Now, don't get me wrong, I completely agree on the clean energy R&D...  But until you put this in terms of the common person, I'm not sure how many people you'll have on the clean energy bandwagon.  It's absolutely imperative that we change the course of energy generation in this country.

We need to guide people's decisions and push them toward making more energy conscious decisions...  We can focus on 2 different means to the same end...  Clean energy generation and reducing energy consumption.

Consider the following thoughts on simple solutions:

• Why aren't we simply giving away fluorescent light bulbs at every Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart, etc.?  This is a simple solution that would change the way America lights their homes.  If you're concerned about abuse, require an incandescent bulb exchanged for a fluorescent bulb free of charge.  If you don't want to do this, tax incandescent bulbs...  make them the same price as the fluorescent bulbs.
• Why don't we increase the tax on gasoline and divert the additional tax revenue to clean energy R&D?  Tell folks that we're going to increase the tax on gasoline by 20 cents a year over the next 5 years.  People would consider their next vehicle purchase accordingly.
• Why not create a LARGE VEHICLE tax that can be refunded based on the dependents claimed on income taxes?  If you are a single person and go buy a Ford Excursion, you'll pay the full $5,000 penalty.  If you claim 6 dependents then you'll get the full $5,000 refunded on your income taxes.  Keep people from buying more car than they need.
• More aggressively put public buildings on viable clean energy alternatives.  Put a wind generator next to the local firehouse, add solar panels to the courthouse or town hall.  Make a big production out of it, and get the people involved.  Publish the savings and allow the public to get up close to the technology.  Right now people hear all about alternative energy, but can't "touch and feel it" in their daily lives.

Inspired by: CNet