U.S. President Barack Obama may still be trying to sort out the American economy, but he hasn’t gone back on his promise to use his executive powers and influence to develop renewable energy programs as well as those more friendly to the environment. In a speech he gave on March 19th, the President said:
“So we have a choice to make. We can remain one of the world’s leading importers of foreign oil, or we can make the investments that would allow us to become the world’s leading exporter of renewable energy.”
The new administration has already taken steps in the right direction by drafting the American Recovery and Investment Act which has earmarked $60 Billion for projects that will not only help stimulate the economy, but to do so with projects which will be more environmentally friendly while saving tax paying dollars. Some of these projects include:
- $ 11 billion for constructing energy saving electricity grids for urban environments, as well as more efficient electricity meters in homes
- $ 5 billion to better “weatherize” low income homes
- $4.5 billion to make federal building more “green” to save further on energy bills
- $ 600 million for “green” job training programs
- $2 billion for developing the next generation of more efficient storage batteries
In addition, fuel economy standards on motor vehicles are to be raised, to require new cars and trucks to be more fuel efficient as well are burning cleaner. Special incentives are to given for developing vehicles like hybrids and totally electric ones; as well as increasing efficiency standards for electrical appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers.
On Earth Day 2009, the President announced a program that would involve developing projects in the oceans off America’s coastline to utilize the energy of waves, ocean currents and wind power. Solar energy projects are also high on the President’s list for clean, alternative energy.
Emphasis on renewable and alternative energy projects is hoped to reduce pollution caused by carbon based fuels, as well as reducing dependence on foreign oil Energy independence appears to be at the top of the list as well as creating a cleaner environment. Let’s all hope these projects will result in a much cleaner environment as well as be beneficial to the economy.