'Alternative energy' is now mainstream

Earth Day has reached middle age. As Americans celebrate our planet for the 48th time today, it’s worth reflecting for a moment on how far the nation has come in its views on energy and the environment. What was once a protest against the establishment is now mainstream.

A recent Gallup poll revealed that 59 percent of the American public favors prioritizing environmental protection over domestic energy production. No less than 56 percent placed environmental protection above economic growth as a priority. Renewable energy is even more popular. Seventy-nine percent of those polled would like the United States to place more emphasis on solar power, and only 9 percent wanted less. For wind power, 70 percent said more and 14 percent, less.