[sammyg2]

If we had an economical alternative energy we would be all over it.
The alternative energy sources we have now are typicall more expensive that fossil fuels or are limited in scale (like hydro-electric), so they don't really make much sense except for MAYBE from an environmental standpoint.
When hydrocarbon fuels get expensive enough, these alternatives will become more economically feasable. Coincidence? You decide.

Note that nuclear energy is the exception, it is very economical on the large scale but the sheep are scared of it.