Can Clean Energy Drive The Economic Recovery?

President Obama and other leaders have called for investment in cleaner energy sources as a way to create jobs and spur U.S. economic recovery.

But critics argue that alternative energy generally costs more than traditional fossil fuels and that demand for energy overall has fallen during the recession, making the energy sector an odd choice for stimulating a recovery.

Americans unsure about recovery

Economists and politicians might be talking about a recovery, but Americans are not so sure about it.

More than a third of those surveyed in a Bloomberg National Poll do not believe the recession has ended, despite six quarters of economic growth and improvements in other economic indicators. The National Bureau of Economic Research says the recession officially ended in June 2009.

KEN MORRIS: Rising gas prices put economic recovery in jeopardy

Like so many in our nation, I try to keep up to date on current events. After a while, it seems like all the newscasts are repetitive. It’s almost impossible to avoid stories about Wisconsin protests against the governor, lawmakers crossing state lines to avoid voting, Charlie Sheen out of control and turmoil in the Middle East.

In my mind, I can summarize all of this news with one word. Bizarre. Bizarre on all accounts. Obviously, as a nation we cannot be responsible for what happens beyond our shores. But I often wonder how different things would be domestically, and perhaps even internationally, if we truly had a free market.

Tsunami likely to affect economic recovery in short term

The earthquake and tsunami that ravaged Japan Friday will likely have a short-term effect on the global economy, shutting down Japanese factories, ports and oil refineries, but it won't derail the economic recovery, observers say.

UN ESCAP Chief: Asia's Economic Recovery Fragile

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific warns economic recovery remains fragile because of uncertainties of rising food and oil prices. U.N. Regional Executive Secretary Noeleen Heyzer said governments need to pay attention to the needs of low-income groups, as rising costs push more people into poverty.