We have to get out of the "us vs. them" mentality in this country vis-a-vis the energy discussion. We have one side saying anything that isn't geo-thermal, solar or wind (and there are some on their side that aren't too sure about wind) is BAD.

The other side isn't perfect either.

But we need to have a little nationalistic fervor here and realize we need to get to a place where we are energy independent first. Then, migrate that energy independence to renewables.

Concerning new technologies, I wouldn't be so certain that the oil companies are totally in control of all of them. For example google a company called eestor out of Texas and their ultra capacitors. Or, look at A123 who will be providing the batteries for GM's Volt.