On Tuesday, President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address outlined a number of successes in the recent past and focuses for the nation moving into 2012.
One of the hot topics was his attention to clean energy.
The President noted that in 2011, the United States cut down dependence on foreign oil, but he acknowledged that this small decline isn’t enough.
He called for a move away from oil subsidies, turning toward renewables instead.
“It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that rarely has been more profitable and double down on a clean energy industry that never has been more promising.”
One way to end foreign dependence is an increase in renewable forms of energy, and he proposed providing more incentives to energy companies.
He urged Congress to “set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation.”
The President even expressed his opinion that moves should be made to prevent further climate change.
His address announced a move by the U.S. Navy to purchase a large portion of clean energy capacity, and he urged others to follow suit.
He called for incentives for manufacturers to upgrade their energy plans to renewable sources. Not only will it eliminate waste, but it will also save the companies money.
“Their energy bills will be a hundred billion dollars lower over the next decade. And America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, more jobs for construction workers who need them.”
Appealing to both sides on fracking, he announced that he will be sure companies participating in hydraulic fracturing proceed safely and expose the details of their processes.
The President did not mention his recent rejection of Keystone XL or the specific failure of Solyndra.
That’s all for now,
Brianna
