State of the Union: Energy Security and More Renewable Fuels

In Monday night's State of the Union Address, President Bush called on Congress to work with him to continue improving U.S. energy security and confront climate change, without hampering economic growth. Though there were no new proposals concerning transportation fuels indicative of 2007's Twenty in Ten initiative, Bush did mention renewable fuels and advanced battery technologies.

Here's an excerpt from his 2008 State of the Union Address: "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."

Continued steps in the right direction. Let's hope that next year's State of the Union Address from the new President keeps the ball rolling.

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