California's gold is green?

In the U.S., California is leading the fight against global warming emissions. As a result the Los Angeles Auto Show is quickly becoming the place to demonstrate fuel efficient technologies. More important, California cities are beginning to require that significant portions of their future electricity be made via clean technologies, such as solar power or wind power.

Some cities in the Los Angeles area have discontinued contracts which provide up to 65 percent of their electricity. "The moves could put the region in the forefront nationally of the commercial use of alternative energy in coming years, but researching and building the infrastructure to replace coal-fired power will be a costly, risky business." (more)

Yet, if these cities are successful, they will have funded a huge new industry based on clean technology. Clean energy, great jobs and a bright future. Now that's California gold.