No mas!
Like Roberto Duran in the famous “no mas” fight with Sugar Ray Leonard, the DC area has proven to be no match for the relentless winter of 2009-10. In offshore facilities design terms, we have experienced two 100-year storms, multiple lesser storms, and lots of snow fatigue!
Powered by Renewable Energy
At BOE headquarters, our low-carbon, renewable energy snow removal system has been seriously tested by the record snowfall, and the planners didn’t take snow-piles (mountains?) into account when they designed our “smart growth” community.
This winter has definitely given a boost to telecommuting advocates. Commuting in these conditions makes little sense for the typical office worker who can work from home. Businesses and government need to fully incorporate telecommuting into their business plans so they can continue operations during snow and other emergencies.
Bud's Offshore Energy (BOE) 
“…powered by renewable energy.” Classic!
If by “renewable” you mean human exertion, I would take issue with your analysis in two respects. First, human exertion is not necessarily “low carbon.” There is much CO2 emitted in the breathing process. In fact, such exertion is so much less efficient than a standard internal combustion engine snowplow, that the emissions per ton of snow removed could actually be greater for your renewable alternative. Second, human sources are not exactly renewable. People wear out. And we don’t always reproduce ourselves, or get stronger. In fact, there is well documented evidence that older folks actually suffer strained backs and even heart attacks while shovelling.
Tom Readinger
Shoveling keeps us young, clean, and green! I’ll challenge any snow plow to a carbon footprint contest; bring ’em on! 🙂