When is a Blue state not a blue state?

Writing in Renewableenergyworld.com, Clint Wilder observes that political divisions within the Democratic party threaten President Obama's ability to implement his aggressive alternative energy agenda.

Using the example of a carbon cap and trade system, Wilder argues that, while there are a lot of "blue" (i.e., Democratic) states, among them are numerous "purple" and "green" states.

Green states are just what you would expect-- states along the West Coast and in New England taht have been at the forefront of the clean tech and alternative energy battle. Purple states, however, are those rust belt and midwestern Democaratic enclaves that are home to strong industrial, farming, and manufacturing bases. For purple states, the economic realities of carbon cap and trade are stark.

Wilder notes that bellweather states like Iowa, which is now the #2 state in America in terms of wind power, will lead by example and demonstrate that green energy can work in some of these states that have an intellectual appreciation for energy reform, but a politically realistic understanding of what it will entail.

Obama-Era Carbon Policy Must Transform Old Divisions [renewableenergyworld.com]