Energy is Everything—it is the lifeblood of our economy. America’s competitiveness cannot be separated from the issues surrounding energy—how efficiently we use it, how many billions of dollars we send abroad for it and how well we steward it domestically. Nothing will impact American competitiveness more than the development of sustainable energy products and services—an industry with the potential to create millions of new American jobs in the 21st century.

Rebound: Three Essentials to Get the Economy Back on Track, is the Council on Competitiveness’ stimulus action plan. It was crafted by leaders that only the Council brings to the table together—CEOs, labor leaders, and university presidents. Because of this, Rebound is getting strong traction on the policy side. The stimulus package released in January by the Democratic leadership in Congress reflects many recommendations put forth by the Council on Competitiveness.

Among these are: bonus depreciation, accelerated expensing for small businesses, $6.2 billion for low-income families to weatherize their homes and $300 million for rebates for energy star purchases. This is extremely encouraging.