OK, so that may not be the most exciting step toward a clean-energy future, but for a $100 reservation fee, registrants can get to the front of the line when it comes time to order a 2011 Leaf. Registration has been open at NissanUSA.com, but the fee apparently adds customers to a permanent list.

The $100 is fully refundable, and firm orders will begin in August. Deliveries to select markets will start in December, and vehicles will be available in all major markets “quickly thereafter,” Nissan says.

It is interesting that Nissan chose to open its fee-for-registration on April 20, rather than two days later on April 22, which is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.