Since dumping his gas-guzzling Chrysler 300C for a Ford Escape Hybrid, Barack Obama has been a fierce proponent for 'green' technology. And he's taking environmentalism to a new level by promoting an eco-friendly inauguration. Attendees are being asked to carpool or utilize public transit--even if they're sporting tuxedos or evening gowns. Those forced to drive are being asked to drive a hybrid vehicle or purchase carbon offsets to reduce their 'carbon footprint.'

Hours before his now-famous address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama gave a rousing speech in which he called for a greater national awareness of environmental issues: "Environmentalism is not an upper-income issue, it's not a white issue, it's not a black issue, it's not a South or a North or an East or a West issue. It's an issue that all of us have a stake in. And if I can do anything to make sure that not just my daughter but every child in America has green pastures to run in and clean air to breathe and clean water to swim in, then that is something I'm going to work my hardest to make happen."

Here at InsWeb, we've done our best to keep our finger on the pulse of the 'green' revolution, discussing alternative fuel vehicles, ways to save on fuel and a number of other environmental topics. We certainly do all we can to promote 'green' causes, but even our environmental efforts fall short of Obama's lofty goals:

Barack Obama's New Energy Plan

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.

• Increase automobile fuel economy standards 4% each year.

• Put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015.

• Ensure 10% of U.S. electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25% by 2025.

• Weatherize one million homes annually to cut energy bills by 20-40%.

• Modernize 75% of federal buildings to improve efficiency.

And the team in charge of implementing those policies:

Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy - a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who will run the department charged with designing/producing nuclear weapons, disposing of nuclear waste, overseeing domestic energy production and conducting energy-related research.

Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change - former head of the Environmental Protection Agency (1993-2001) who will act as a White House-level advisor to coordinate energy-related federal agencies. This is a new role created by the incoming Obama administration.

Lisa Jackson, EPA Administrator - a former EPA scientist who ran the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection since 2006.

Nancy Sutley, Chair of White House Council on Environmental Quality - a longtime energy advisor, Nancy Sutley will work to coordinate federal environmental efforts and work with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives.

If you haven't yet joined the 'green' revolution, you can help save the planet (and some money) by using less fuel, buying a hybrid car, or going 'green' around the house.