At the risk of being accused of having an agenda, I'll use building nuclear power plants as an example. If this effort were undertaken as a stimulus project, it would put people to work, build an infrastructure that continues to supply jobs even after the project is complete, lower energy costs, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
You forgot to add that by avoiding another coal fired plant it would reduce the dumping of Uranium and Thorium into the atmosphere as well as CO2. Unfortunately it makes too much sense.
Perhaps saving a salt marsh mouse might be more popular?