I learned more in those six months [ in the White House] than in the prior six years. I don't think that anybody who has had the privilege to serve the country at that level should walk out and behave like a crybaby. And I plan to continue to serve the country in other capacities.

In addition, black folks need to attend green conferences, too. We just self-segregate and don't go. They might even waive your fee if you apply on a diversity basis, because they'd be so shocked to see somebody from a different background wanting to be a part of the green movement.

We should use the transition to a better energy strategy as an opportunity to create a better economy and a better country all around.

Too often we think about the green economy as an elite market niche, one in which affluent people spend more money to consume greener and cleaner products.

If we stand for change, we can spark a popular movement with power, influence, magic and genius.

Former brownfields, depressed urban areas, and hard-hit rural towns blossom as eco-industrial parks, green enterprise zones, and eco-villages. Farmers' markets, community co-ops, and mobile markets get fresh, organic produce to the people who can't afford to shop at health-food stores.

I think the African American community, the Latino community, the Native American communities have borne an unfair burden in the last century, and continue to.