Note to Congress: Don't Blow Stimulus Funds on Rebates

The heady talk in Washington about a $150 billion stimulus package has everyone from the President on down salivating over the political benefits such a gift would generate. But they'd be wise to consider how those funds could be put to real use-- not as a one-time gift to taxpayers that is quickly thrown away on Chinese imports, but as a real stimulus package that not only boosts economic activity but creates jobs, improves national security, and helps the environment. What could do all that? It's simple: design a package of incentives/rebates that support alternative energy investment and rollout, reward homeowners who invest in efficiency upgrades, and solidifies the basis for existing alternative technologies like solar and wind energy.

Rather than blow the funds on a one-shot deal that is unlikely to have any impact beyond the resulting spending ripple in the economy, let's invest the funds in policies that will make us stronger going forward. Energy incentives targeted at consumers will steer spending toward new and growing industries (like wind and solar) that could use the boost-- and will create jobs that last well beyond this recession.