From Washington to Boston, East Coast to West with a stopover in Texas, America is looking to the future in green!

I’m just back from a two-week trip to the US, with stops in four states and major cities, and can testify that Americans are bouncing back! And in the noblest cause of all: the fight against global warming.

Today you won’t find anyone, even among the oil industry’s most hard-line conservatives, prepared to contest the need for reduced carbon emissions and energy consumption. Or to challenge the need for new sources of energy, and for integrating environmental impact into building, manufacturing, packaging and transportation.
One thing is certain: America is putting its money on environmental industries to lift itself out of the crisis.

Washington: the nation’s capital still focused on the stimulus program

Arrival in Washington. The atmosphere is still euphoric, and President Obama has just rolled out his stimulus program. A cool $150 billion will be invested in energy, the environment and infrastructure —altogether over 25% of the global recovery package that will cost nearly $575 billion. And here in DC, the capital of lobbying, foundations and other networks have opened their doors and their hearts to us. All are determined to meet the challenge of working in partnership with Europe.

And all are aware that the US is lagging behind. But fired with national pride, they hope to see their country leading the field, active and efficient, in short order. Be it a question of survival or conviction, or perhaps a combination of the two, this is a country known for pragmatism, and everyone wants to show that the US has changed. Growth driven by environmental awareness is the motto. Fast and lasting growth. Yes, America is changing!

Boston, Austin, Houston, San Francisco, Palo Alto, San Jose: new faces, new places—and new hopes ahead.

Coming soon…Boston

Patrice Lefeu