Breaking Old Habits

I recently read a piece on how the renewable community is praising efforts by General Electric for their focus and investment towards a 'Green' future and how the opposite attention has been granted to Exxon for their $100 million commitment to alternative energy research. GE has earned their reaction as a company who has worked consistently towards improving the quality of life for consumers, so it is a short jump to the renewable energy arena for them in the minds of the 'average Joe’. Exxon, whose recent actions indicate that they are certainly contributing to a healthier future, appears to be having a tougher time gaining the trust of environmentalists. While I am not convinced that a leopard can change its spots, I do believe that every little bit helps; especially when that 'little bit' translates into millions of dollars towards research for the development of alternative solutions to meet the increasing energy demands. Coming down hard on fossil fuel companies when they are not participating in the alternative energy cause is one thing, but faulting them when they DO participate seems illogical and counterproductive.