What powers the richest Americans?

Summary: Right now there are no greentech billionaires on Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans. That could change.

Right now there are no greentech billionaires on Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans. That could change. But there are over two dozen billionaires who depend directly on the fossil fuel industry for their wealth. That is just one reason it'll be very hard to reform America's energy industry. One man who made billions in traditional BEFORE he converted to greentech disciple and VC, Vinod Khosla, is #347 on the list. Just ahead of Khosla is oilman turned windman, T. Boone Pickens. He's #341 on the list. For tech watchers it may be interesting to note that Bill Gates reigns as #1 richest American, putting the software genius monopolist ahead of his pal, Warren Buffett, the investment genius.

Topic: Tech Industry

Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.

Talkback

2 comments
Log in or register to join the discussion
  • software genius?

    So to you bill gates is now a software genius huh?

    You better get that story right or no one here will take you seriously. That statement will ruin your reputation here Harry, you better do something about it, fast!
    The Mentalist
  • RE: What powers the richest Americans?

    Not "genius" then perhaps "monopolist?"
    --Harry Fuller
    atowhee