Solar power has taken a hit to the solar plexus.

The Federal Gov’t’s Bureau of Land Management, has placed a moratorium on solar projects on public land – until the environmental impact of these projects has been determined. This may take the better part of 2 years. Yesterday crude oil closed at almost $144 a barrel.

The Bureau of Land Management controls some of our greatest solar energy potential, in Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California. And while oil and gas development continues, nuclear expansion is proposed, aging coal-fired power remains in operation, renewable clean solar power is delayed in the name of environmental protection.

You’ve got to give them credit. It’s a brilliant strategy. How can clean energy advocates argue against environmental impact studies? They can’t. But not two years. We don’t have 2 years. Climate change, our strangled economy can’t wait two years.

The tragedy is that we’re responding. Solar project applications increased by 48% in 2007. 130 new projects are proposed, that would power 20 million homes.

But without access to public land, expenses will kill new projects. And if solar tax credits are allowed to expire the end of this year, energy independence may die with it.

So that’s it. Independence. We celebrate this Independence Day with a message. I know its not environmentally responsible, but maybe we dump coal in Boston Harbor. I’m open to suggestions. But we need to do something. Because we’re not only fighting for energy freedom… we’re fighting for our lives.