Facing such intense global competition, and with Recovery Act funds poised to expire soon, sending U.S. clean energy markets off a clean tech funding cliff, the U.S. is in dire need of a long-term clean energy investment strategy to regain economic and technological leadership in this new growth sector.

FORBES: With Stimulus Nearing End, Will U.S. Keep Clean Energy Momentum Going?

Cambridge Energy Research Associates doubts that the industrialized countries' oil demand will regain its 2005 peak.

CNN: Freeing America from its addiction to oil

By tackling the issue now it could regain the high moral ground (at the same time as forging ahead in the clean-energy business, which Europe might otherwise dominate).

ECONOMIST: Climate change

To regain leadership in the global clean technology industry, the United States must enact a comprehensive clean energy competitiveness strategy that prioritizes major public investments in clean energy innovation, manufacturing, market development, education, and infrastructure.

FORBES: A Clean Energy Competitiveness Strategy For America