“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. (Applause.)
“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. (Applause.)
“Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power. (Applause.) Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. (Applause.)
“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. (Applause.)
This agreement will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride. (Applause.)
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. (Applause.)
To read the last ‘State of the Union’ address from US President George Bush click here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/01/20080128-13.html
According to ABC Online this represents a commitment of US$2 billion (A$2.25 billion).
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD is a critical thinker with expertise in the scientific method.
That was likely a legacy statement so that Pres. Bush can deflect future criticism for standing up against the Kyoto scam. Anyway, it’s not going to be his problem much longer. Also, note that the applause interruptions usually came from just one side of the aisle, with the Democrats sitting on their hands looking sour.
It’s a wonder he’s got any money left after paying for the 9/11 attacks, the spreading of deliberate lies about WMD , the carpet bombing of orphanages in Iraq and letting innocent civilians die in New Orleans following a hurricane he and his Big Oil mates had caused.
Still, there might be some of the funds from the oil he and Halliburton stole in Iraq left over?
Let’s not forget the faithful and simplistic mantra of the left ” Four legs good , two legs bad”.
People of a non-left persuasion cannot possibly ever do anything worthwhile and they’re mean and dumb to boot – it’s a great little comforter!
Bush is consistent. He has long supported voluntary reductions in carbon and other emissions, development of clean technology to share with developing countries, and opposition to binding, economically crippling Kyoto targets. So what’s new?
Why should he bend to pressure to commit the USA to Kyoto targets in his final year? Won’t win him any friends. Or are his critics afraid that the next President won’t commit either?
At this stage in his Presidency, this decision should properly be left to his successor.
I had a calculation for the cost of sequestrating CO2 from coal burning. It would be cheaper to burn gold!