waynenationalforest's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

The U.S. government has awarded $550 million in grants for renewable energy projects, which will double the amount of stimulus money heading toward green energy over the next few years.  The move signals an encouraging commitment to a clean energy future, which will help to combat climate change and create greatly needed green jobs.

The grants will be given in cash to companies, instead of tax credits in order to provide an reimbursement to solar, wind, biomass and other renewable energy production facilities.

According Energy Secretary Steven Chu: These investments are crucial to ensuring America can compete and win in the race for the clean energy jobs of the future.

Now, if we could just speed things along (with the climate bill currently stuck in limbo) and work on winning the international race to curbing greenhouse gas emissions.  The clock is ticking as we approach the Copenhagen Conference in December, and as exciting as investing in green energy is, it may not be enough to convince other countries that the U.S. is ready to take major action toward combating climate change.