"... 19th century fossil-fuel-based technologies in the 21st century will make America a technological laggard instead of a leader ..."   Well, I dunno.  The country of Norway is the envy of liberal-progressives on this side of the Atlantic because of their healthcare system, educational opportunities, manifold handouts from an all encompassing "nanny" state.  Yet this wonderful abundance is financed from a sovereign wealth fund that was filled up with the proceeds of sales from the North Sea oil fields.  ;-)  Guess in Norway's case those fossil fuels had some pretty positive benefits after all.  

Say!  Maybe that's what we should try here - a government financed through state-run oil company??  ;-)