Could we finally be on the path to an oil-free future? Here are some reasons for hope.

Today's projo features an opinion piece by Paul Sanroma, chairman of the Bristol Wind Power Group. Inspired by the municipal wind turbine in Hull, Mass., folks in Bristol want a wind turbine of their own. The Hull project saves money for the town and is popular with neighbors, a great example of how a small group of committed activists can not only change their own local place, but inspire others. We hope Bristol gets a turbine of its own, soon.

Last week, the Worldwatch Institute published an update on the global solar power industry, noting that with global demand increasing and new technologies coming to market, costs are going down. "As a result, solar electricity could soon be a competitive alternative to conventional retail power in many regions, including California and southern Europe," says Worldwatch.

And last Friday night, at the Chafee Awards Dinner hosted by the Environment Council of Rhode Island, we ran into Jim Malloy, of Malloy Fuels, who is working hard -- along with the folks at Newport BioDiesel and People's Power & Light -- to bring new options to Rhode Islanders to power our homes and vehicles.  

Things are changing, fast, and for the better. Of course, gas at $4 a gallon is a strong motivator. Let's hope our generation will be the one to relegate oil to the junkyard of old technology.