President Bush dedicated 258 words of his final State of the Union address last night to appeal for more renewable energy and affirm the country’s commitment to fighting global climate change.
His remarks, which came about 15 minutes into the hour-long speech, would have been cause for massive celebration for environmentalists and the renewable energy industry around the world, if this had been his first State of the Union address.
But now, nearing the end of a presidency that has become infamous for backwards steps on environmental issues, his statement is likely to be met with deserved skepticism.
Nuclear energy aside, President Bush stumped for a slate of initiatives that once were championed only by the most progressive environmentalists. His call for increased use of renewable power, investment in advance battery technologies and renewable fuels, a clean tech fund for developing nations and an international agreement to reverse the build-up of greenhouse gases, demonstrates how much ground these initiatives have gained–considering this is the same administration that earlier denied there was adequate scientific proof for global warming.
However, there was nothing in the speech that suggested the administration will adjust its stance to take a greater leadership role in combating climate change–nothing to suggest it will not continue to see the issue only in terms of American protectionism. In addition, though the president called for immediate action on other funding and tax measures, he did not insist that Congress move quickly to extend the tax incentives that are critical for the renewable industry, and set to expire.
After gaining a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle by stating that the U.S. should "complete an international agreement that has the potential to slow, stop and eventually reduce the build-up of greenhouse gases," he immediately followed with the claim that such an agreement will only be effective "if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride."
This caveat suggests that, though the administration is hosting climate change talks in Hawaii this week, it’s primary concern is still protecting American economic dominance at all costs, as opposed to taking global leadership on the most pressing issue of the young century.
His address is excerpted here:
"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 net 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 technologies and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future. Let us create a new international clean technology fun, 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 reduce the build-up of greenhouse gases. (standing ovation from both sides of the aisle)
This agreement will be effective on if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.
The U.S. 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 clean and more energy-efficient technology.
To keep America competitive into the future, we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to make the breakthroughs of tomorrow."
The president went on to ask for increased funding for the physical sciences, before turning to issues of foreign diplomacy and the fighting in Iraq.
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