President Bush on Energy, the Environment and “Global Climate Change”

Tonight, President Bush delivered his final State of the Union address, continuing–in his own way–to call for solutions to confront global climate change. Nowhere, however, did he mention passing federal legislation to reduce America’s global warming pollution.

“I welcome President Bush’s call for action on global warming,” said NWF President and CEO Larry Schweiger. “While the White House stance on global warming has thawed, the real test of his commitment to advance U.S. leadership is to work with Congress to pass the bipartisan Climate Security Act.” — Read NWF’s official statement.

President Bush on Energy, Environment and Global Climate Change:

“To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology.

“Our security, our prosperity and our environment all require reducing our dependence on oil. Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded.

“Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions. Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources. And let us complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases. This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.

“The United States is committed to strengthening our energy security and confronting global climate change. And the best way to meet these goals is for America to continue leading the way toward the development of cleaner and more energy efficient technology.”

What did you think about the energy and environment part of President Bush’s speech?