The citizens of Colorado, unlike any other state in the country, might have a chance to get low-interest loans to install renewable energy systems and make conservation efforts in their domiciles - all backed by the bonding authority of the state and local governments. Why isn't Congress following this model?

The deal: The homeowner finds the conservation package that works for their home, and can also install a solar-based, wind, or even geothermal heat source on their property. They get the bids, and then can get a low-interest loan, payable over 5 to 20 years depending on the size of the loan and the borrower's ability to pay.

The state or local government body gets a mortgage on the property in exchange - making the interest tax deductible both at the state and federal level.

Why isn't this one of the models that the Federal government is promoting? One of the limiting factors is the availability of solar and wind systems for the individual - and the big guys.

One of Big Oil's reps told Congress on Tuesday (I don't remember which one) that one of the biggest hurdles to faster adoption of wind and solar capacity, at the utility-grade level and the consumer level, is manufacturing capacity for the equipment.

BPAmerica, Shell, Chevron, and Conoco-Phillips are all making significant investments in those very manufacturers. Exxon/Mobil has opted to stay on oil company, instead of transforming itself into an energy company.

Wall Street is finally taking notice, with several investment funds financing new manufacturing capacity.