New York Times columnists, Thomas Friedman, has an interesting column today about the opportunities and perils of a natural gas revolution — issues that are bound to play an increasing role in Hawaii politics as the state takes a seriously look at switching from oil to gas. 

But will it derail the push for clean energy?

The good news: It emits only half as much greenhouse gas as coal when combusted and, therefore, contributes only half as much to global warming. The better news: The recent glut has made it inexpensive to deploy. But there is a hidden, long-term, cost: A sustained gas glut could undermine new investments in wind, solar, nuclear and energy efficiency systems — which have zero emissions — and thus keep us addicted to fossil fuels for decades.

Read the rest of the column here.