Volcanoes - just not for spewing lava anymore! Apparently tapping into those hot beasties can power up homes. In super hero fashion, let's all chant - Sun, Wind, Lava!! Ok, well maybe not lava, but geothermal power is the next possible energy savior.

As fuel prices soar, Alaskan officials announced the exploration of the state's volcanoes, saying they could be exploited to provide energy for thousands of homes.

Companies are being invited to lease the rights to explore geothermal resources beneath Mount Spurr, a snowcapped 11,070-foot volcano that most recently erupted in 1992 showering much of Anchorage with volcanic ash.

As a solution that makes sense, and is available now, I hope the government officials to be, finally take a serious look at real alternative energy and proceed.