The Cap and Trade bill that the U.S. House passed recently, if approved by the Senate and signed by Obama will result in higher energy prices overall. The cost will be added to the continuing inflation of energy prices due to global supply and demand factors. Anyone who invests in an energy efficient house today will be less vulnerable to these rising costs. Over time, the high cost of energy will drive up demand for and, therefore, the value of energy efficient homes. Businesses that are positioned to meet the demand for "green" products and materials should benefit, as well. Having said that, I believe the Cap and Trade bill is bad legislation. Similar laws in other countries (New Zealand, Australia, European Union) have not been effective and, in some cases, repealed. |