Energy use accounted for 82 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2006, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). Energy efficiency is the best and quickest way to reduce GHG emissions.

"The minute we stop innovating, we die," said an executive interviewed for a recently released report by the Boston Consulting Group, National Association of Manufacturers, titled The Innovative Imperative in Manufacturing: How the United States Can Restore Its Image. The report ranked the U.S. eight among innovative-friendly countries. Singapore made the top spot.

The American electricity grid is a century old. There are approximately 157,000 miles of high voltage electric transmission lines in the U.S.. Since 1990, electricity demand has increased 25 percent, but construction of power plants has decreased 30 percent. As the Department of Energy (DOE) states, the biggest challenge for electric distribution is "responding to rapidly changing customer needs for electricity." Enter a smart grid.

The stimulus package is expected to be passed this weekend, which is not a moment too soon for the wind and solar energy sectors.