Yes We Can…I Hope: Obama Announces Environmental Legislative Reform
Photo Credit: Jared Tarbell
Fresh off an attempt to reboot his image and his administration during the State of the Union Address, President Obama is taking swift action to follow through on at least one of his talking points from the evening. The president recently announced a plan to invest in and further explore alternative energy sources in and for the United States.
Obama’s plan emphasizes the production of ethanol, a corn-based fuel, as well as technology that makes it possible to capture carbon emissions from the burning of coal. The President’s effort is being moderated, however, due to a need to appease conservatives in the House and Senate. Nevertheless, Obama’s plan will attempt to “expand the portfolio of American energy sources to reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses…and spur advances in alternative technology.” The plan also intends to create jobs and reduce oil use by 328 million barrels a year by 2022.
While this is all good news, legislative reform is never a quick or easy process…especially when it comes to the environment. As has been the case with other attempts to make environmental legislative change, this plan will likely face stiff opposition. If expansive and effective environmental change is to occur, it is necessary for all of us to speak out and get behind bills like this to let our elected officials know that environmental reform is something Americans care about, and is something that must happen.
Check out the full story at the New York Times.
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