Environmentalists are arguing that a massive government push to develop renewable energy will help revive the nation's flagging economy while also curbing global warming.

In a new report, Environment Maryland argues that President-elect Obama and Congress can generate millions of new jobs by promoting wind, solar and energy efficiency.  Indeed, the group says Congress shouldn't wait for January to get started.

"As Congress heads back to Washington next week, it's likely they'll take up another economic stimulus package," said Environment Maryland's Tommy Landers.  Instead of just authorizing more rebate checks for taxpayers to spend, Landers says, lawmakers ought to make government subsidies for renewable energy the cornerstone of its new stimulus effort.

Government incentives may be needed to keep renewable energy going, as experts say falling oil prices are sapping investor interest in projects that only appear viable when gasoline and electricity are expensive.  Others, though, warn against the government getting too specific in its support of renewables, pointing to the controversial mandates for use of corn-based ethanol as a substitute for gasoline.

You can read the report here.

(Photo above of turbines in West Virginia, by Baltimore Sun photographer John Makely)