As someone who believes a lot could be solved if we would take lesson from France (Gezz I really can't believe I just said that) and go Nuclear. I would say we have a very viable solution but politicians are so afraid of offending the ones who line their pockets for campaigns we might not see it for many years. Researchers have found away to make Hydrogen as a byproduct of trash burning (The only thing released is Hydrogen). And going back to the French; a way to produce hydrogen efficiently while making nuclear power. Why do I think batteries charged at home are not the answer? Simple, how is that power at home had? Fossil Fuels represent over half (Can't find the exact numbers) of all power production. Also those in CA... I laugh... Partially because of the South Park Smug episode but also the idea they want to plug their car in. obviously they have not noticed rolling black outs due to lack of infrastructure. And its not much better in other major cities as well (Think Northeast blackout back in 01 or 02).
Batteries and power have a huge ecological impact on our earth during production and at their disposal. However Hydrogen does not. Now I know what you are all thinking... He is nuts. Nuclear power trash is even harder to get rid of. Your right. It is... I won't object and nobody wants it in their back yard. However their has to be some place in this huge US of A that can house it underground until other science catches up (IE solar panels in space (They only block a small .0000*% but that might help global warming a touch) or something else that has no or limited eco impact.
Last thoughts, Oil is a bad idea, somebody needs to tell auto makers that the US will only allow production of electric or Hydrogen or other non-fossil fuel vehicles after a certain date (I give them 3-5 years) more than enough time. Next tick off the democrats and give the oil companies more money back from their taxes to invest in their stations so they can have hydrogen. In the process however mandate that they will have half of each of their station converted to Hydrogen 3-5 years later. Then the American public will be able to phase out gas cars (Those who are poor can drive oil burners until the vehicle dies (IE my mother)).
If America wants to save the world (As we like to do) then we need to lead by example, in my lifetime (Born in 79 so take that for what it's worth) What America does everyone else emulates (with the exception of North Korea and the rest of the middle east, africa... You get the picture). Go nuclear, dump money into hydrogen not corn research and then once we are stable (Think self sufficient (blasted French)) then we dump money (From the taxes that the oil (now hydrogen) stations are now paying again) and look for something more sustainable. This is not hard people, but due to the bureaucratic process (Think hitchhikers guide to the galaxy) it may take several lifetimes. If we started today we could build small reactors that could withstand plane crashes, etc... and produce power almost risk free within 3-5 years. Popular Science did an article on mini reactors, they were small so if something happened they could burn themselves out no harm no foul.
My $0.02, and by the way if you have not seen the South Park Smug episode you really are missing the point. Watch and feel enlightened.
obviously they have not noticed rolling black outs due to lack of infrastructure. And its not much better in other major cities as well (Think Northeast blackout back in 01 or 02).