It was the year 2000 on an early spring day at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the largest amphibious training base on America’s East Coast. Tramping through the swamp and Carolina pines, and trying hard to keep from walking into something they shouldn’t, was as unlikely a group of individuals as had ever been found on the Base. A dozen very senior environmentalists from The Nature Conservancy, Endangered Species Coalition, Sierra Club and several m...

Economics is known as the “dismal science.” Its study and application has never known a widespread understanding for most people beyond simple “supply and demand.” In an era of heightened fiscal accountability in both private and public sector endeavors, it is more important than ever to use sound economic analysis to develop, fund and construct projects, which are not only sustainable but that also demonstrate responsible stewardship of Earth’s finite resour...

According to projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), for at least the next 18 years – until 2030 – approximately 80 percent of the world’s energy consumption will be derived from fossil fuels. Experts predict that petroleum, natural gas and coal will remain the primary energy sources because they are abundant, inexpensive and familiar. World coal consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), is estimate...