Google Zeitgeist has put together some end of the year trends, including most searched items (”Sarah Palin” topped the charts).  They also put together some interesting charts.  One, in particular, caught my eye:

(note:  CFL is compact flourescent lightbulb)

The spike and subsequent crash in searches for hybrid cars demonstrates the challenge President-elect Obama faces when it comes to energy policy.  Folks want the world to be a greener place, but they care a lot more when it has an impact on their pocketbook.  The challenge for Obama will be to find ways to encourage folks to think more about hybrid cars even when gas prices are below two dollars a gallon.

Here’s hoping his new energy and environment team — including an honest to god Nobel prize-winning rocket scientist — can make it happen.

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