I'm very enthusiastic about the economy.  Check that.  I'm very enthusiastic about our economic future.  Why?  Green means green.  We are on the threshhold of an explosion of innovation and opportunity in Green and Green-related industries.  In fact, I believe the resultant economic impact will be equal or greater than what we've experienced from the Internet revolution.  That may appear bold, but I think it's easily achievable.

Think about it.  Within 5 to 10 years (sooner in some instances) the way we build homes, manufacture cars, produce energy, and manage the use of energy—in homes, appliances, computers and peripherals, office buildings, hotels, etc. will all have changed dramatically, or be in the process of doing so.  That means tens of millions of new jobs and a massive reinvigoration of the global economy.  Consumers are increasingly demanding these products and services.  That will attract more capital, which will lead to more innovation, which will drive prices lower, which will result in greater demand...a perfect virtuous cycle.

Much of this is already in progress.  It will continue without any government intervention.  The opportunity is too vast for smart money not to follow.  There is a role for government, though.  We can draw in more capital, more quickly with intelligently designed incentives.  Today, capital is constrained by an unnatural aversion to risk.  That trepidation can be mitigated with minor adjustments to the risk profile of potential Green investments.  Tax policy is a great way to achieve this, particularly because it doesn't require direct outlays of cash by the government.

The government shouldn't pick winners, but it can catalyze the private markets to act sooner.  Of course, the government will be a prime benificiary of the ensuing economic expansion.  GDP will once again achieve its long-term potential, and tax receipts will fill government coffers.