Obama's weekly address: Sticking to clean energy

President Obama stuck to a familiar subject for his weekly address today: the need to develop clean energy sources to combat rising gas prices.

Ignoring the chance to "spike the football" by recounting the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. special forces at the beginning of the week, the president instead reprised a theme he has used the past two weeks.

"The only way we can avoid being held hostage to the ups and downs of oil prices is if we reduce our dependence on oil," Obama said. "That means investing in clean, alternative sources of energy, like advanced biofuels and natural gas. And that means making cars and trucks and buses that use less oil."

The speech was taped Friday at Allison Transmissions in Indianapolis, Indiana, a manufacturer of hybrid technology. The visit was part of Obama's effort to invest in his priorities, including energy, education and innovation, even while working with Republicans in Congress to reduce budget deficits.

Democrats in Congress, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, also have focused on energy lately as a potential winning issue for their party. They want to eliminate the tax breaks enjoyed by oil and gas companies, something House Speaker John Boehner has said Republicans might consider.

Hi. I'm speaking with you today from the Allison Transmissions plant in Indianapolis, Indiana. I came here because this is a place where American workers are doing some big and impressive things.

The hybrid technology they manufacture here already powers nearly 4,000 buses all over the world -- buses that have already saved 15 million gallons of fuel. Soon, they'll expand this new technology to trucks as well. That means more vehicles using less oil, and that means jobs -- more than 200 new workers at this plant alone.

That's important because even as the economy is growing after one of the worst recessions in our history; even as we've added more than 2 million new private sector jobs over the past 14 months; I still meet and hear from Americans struggling to get out of their own personal recessions.

A lot of folks are still looking for work. And many folks who do have jobs are finding that their paychecks aren't keeping up with the rising costs for everything from tuition to groceries to gas. In fact, in a lot of places across the country, like Indiana, gas is reaching all-time highs.

So although our economy hasn't been the focus of the news this week, not a day that goes by that I'm not focused on your jobs, your hopes and your dreams. And that's why I came here to Allison Transmissions.

The clean energy jobs at this plant are the jobs of the future -- jobs that pay well right here in America. And in the years ahead, it's clean energy companies like this one that will keep our economy growing, create new jobs, and make sure America remains the most prosperous nation in the world.

Allison Transmissions is also part of the ultimate solution to high gas prices. We know there are no quick fixes to this problem. In the short term, we're doing everything we can to boost safe and responsible oil production here at home -- in fact, last year, American oil production reached its highest level since 2003.

But over the long term, the only way we can avoid being held hostage to the ups and downs of oil prices is if we reduce our dependence on oil. That means investing in clean, alternative sources of energy, like advanced biofuels and natural gas. And that means making cars and trucks and buses that use less oil.

Other countries know this, and they're going all in to invest in clean energy technologies and clean energy jobs. But I don't want other countries to win the competition for these technologies and these jobs. I want America to win that competition. I want America to win the future.

Now, I know that in a difficult fiscal climate like the one we're in, it's tempting for some to try and cut back our investments in clean energy. And I absolutely agree that the only way we'll be able to afford the things we need is by cutting the things we don't and living within our means. But I refuse to cut investments like clean energy that will help us out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world. I refuse to cut investments that are making it possible for plants like this one to grow and add jobs across America.

We can do this. I don't just believe that because I see it happening in plants like this. I believe that because I believe in the Americans making it happen in places like this. I'm optimistic about our economic future, because for all the challenges we face, America is still home to the most entrepreneurial, most industrious, most determined people on Earth. There's nothing we can't accomplish when we set our minds to it. And that's what we'll keep doing as long as I have the privilege of being your President.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

USATODAY.com

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Republican address: Stay the course in Afghanistan

The Republicans focused on the killing of Osama bin Laden in their weekly address this morning, but applause for everyone from President Obama on down wasn't the only message.

Sen. Scott Brown used the occasion to warn against any early pullout from Afghanistan, something that has been raised by anti-war groups now that al-Qaeda's leader is dead.

"As much as we all wish it could be ended as suddenly and as permanently as the career of bin Laden, the war goes on, and it still demands our attention and our commitment to victory," said Brown, a member of the Massachusetts Army National Guard for three decades. The troop surge of last year has made a difference in Afghanistan, and we can't surrender those gains to what's left of the Taliban."

Brown was magnanimous in his praise for the president, just as other Republicans have been. But he also credited the previous, Republican president.

This was the pledge of President George W. Bush in the days after 9/11, and he kept it in seven years of relentless, decisive action against the al-Qaeda network," Brown said. "In the case of bin Laden, it fell to President Obama to give the final order. He did so calmly, swiftly, and decisively. It was a fine moment for our commander-in-chief and for our country."

Hello, I'm Scott Brown, and I have the honor of representing Massachusetts in the United States Senate.

Last Sunday night, we heard President Obama deliver the message that Americans have been waiting for since September 11, 2001. It's a very rare thing when so many people across the world observe the loss of life with something other than regret. But this man, the late Osama bin Laden, had chosen his fate long before in a life filled with cruelty. If he expected mercy when our forces found him that was asking much more than he was ever known to give.

This was a man who rejoiced in the suffering and death of others, who set in motion all the horror and grief of 9/11 and considered it just a start. He was a teacher of evil, and now, for him, the lesson is over. It ends not in the fulfillment of some fanatical vision, but in the depths of the Arabian Sea.

None of this can compensate for the murder of bin Laden's victims. Nor will it ease the sorrow of those who still mourn. But it sure counts for something, and it's always a victory when Justice has the final word.

Bin Laden's killing was the result of coordinated efforts going back many years. It was the dramatic conclusion of patient intelligence gathering begun long before, and the work of a military that is second to none. The operation was a model of sustained, concentrated military action, and the example will not be lost on other terrorists. Any escape they make will be temporary. Any sanctuary they find will be uncovered. Those who harm or threaten the American people will be dealt with, on our terms, however long it takes.

This was the pledge of President George W. Bush in the days after 9/11, and he kept it in seven years of relentless, decisive action against the al-Qaeda network. In the case of bin Laden, it fell to President Obama to give the final order. He did so calmly, swiftly, and decisively. It was a fine moment for our commander-in-chief and for our country.

Above all, this past week has reminded us of the skill and special courage of those who choose to take on the toughest missions in service to America. Our combat forces are the ones we call when the need is the greatest. They give their all, and seek no special praise for what they do. They're the best we have, and what great news it was on Sunday night that the mission to kill bin Laden succeeded, and every man came back safely.

The men and women of the armed services have sacrificed so much already in the war on terror. And as much as we all wish it could be ended as suddenly and as permanently as the career of bin Laden, the war goes on, and it still demands our attention and our commitment to victory.

The troop surge of last year has made a difference in Afghanistan, and we can't surrender those gains to what's left of the Taliban. Early in the conflict, America and our allies devastated the al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan. Yet Al-Qaeda is still at work, and that is why we need to prepare the Afghan security forces to protect their own people. We must ensure that Afghanistan does not once again become a sanctuary for terrorists.

After so many years, there's a temptation to despair of ever gaining a final victory against our enemies. But if we've learned anything this past week, it's that our patient commitment to even the hardest objectives will be rewarded.

We all heard it said that bin Laden was beyond our reach, in some remote corner of the earth, and after almost a decade we could surely never find him. Let me tell you it's always a mistake to bet against American resourcefulness and determination. These qualities led us to the man who started this war. They will lead us to victory in that war. And as always, the credit will belong to the skill and raw courage of the armed forces of the United States of America. May God bless them all, and may He always watch over the country they serve.

This is Senator Scott Brown. Thank you for listening.

USATODAY.com

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Alabama governor to address state on storm damage

(CNN) -- Less than a week after an epic outbreak of violent weather ripped across the South, officials in Alabama are still tallying the dead and trying to restore power.

The expanding scale of devastation wreaked by tornadoes that swept across the region has prompted Gov. Robert Bentley to deliver a live, statewide address on the impact of the storms Tuesday night. He is scheduled to make the speech during a joint session of the Alabama Legislature, according to a statement released Monday by the governor's office.

Precisely what the governor will say is unknown, however officials expect Bentley's speech will contain details about recovery efforts and damage estimates from recent status reports by the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Since Saturday, the number of Alabama counties declared disaster areas by the federal government has more than doubled, from 17 to 36, according to AEMA. Search and rescue operations continue for missing victims and fatalities.

However, because of fluctuations in death tolls and injuries reported by counties across the state, the agency says it will no longer release them until all of the missing can be accounted for, and final totals of the dead and injured can be confirmed.

Storm recovery: How you can help

The agency's latest death toll from the storms, released Saturday, was 250. AEMA reported 2,219 injuries. The total number of people killed in five other states -- Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia -- during Wednesday's storms was 89.

The latest death toll for all weather-related fatalities, including flash floods, in the past week in those states is 356, according to the most recent emergency management reports.

Meanwhile, the number of customers that remain without power in Alabama has been cut by nearly two-thirds, from 1.1 million to around 407,000, according to an AEMA reported released Monday. It could be another week for power to be restored in some places such as Cullman County in north central Alabama.

There are currently 17 shelters serving 419 displaced people around the state. However, emergency responders say the actual number of people rendered homeless by the storms is certain to be much higher because that total does not reflect the number of people who've been taken in by family and friends.

Alabama poultry producers claim to have lost more than 2 million birds because of the storms, according to emergency management officials.

CNN

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Obama's weekly address: End oil subsidies (reprise)

President Obama must really want to end government subsidies for the oil and gas industry. Why else would he devote his weekly address to it two weeks in a row?

Well, maybe because it's good politics. After all, even Republican House Speaker John Boehner opened the door last week to reconsidering the $4 billion a year in subsidies given to oil companies by saying they should "pay their fair share."

The president's address last week focused on ending the subsidies and investing the savings in the clean energy sources of tomorrow. This week's address? Pretty much the exact same thing.

Well, there was one addition: announcements from the largest oil companies that they had made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 a€“ up about 30% from last year, Obama said.

"When oil companies are making huge profits and you're struggling at the pump, and we're scouring the federal budget for spending we can afford to do without, these tax giveaways aren't right," the president said. "They aren't smart. And we need to end them."

After the worst recession since the Great Depression, our economy is growing again, and we've gained almost 2 million private sector jobs over the last 13 months. But I also know that a lot of folks aren't feeling as positive as some of those statistics might suggest. It's still too hard to find a job. And even if you have a job, chances are you're having a tougher time paying the rising costs of everything from groceries to gas. In some places, gas is now more than $4 a gallon, meaning that you could be paying upwards of $50 or $60 to fill up your tank.

Of course, while rising gas prices mean real pain for our families at the pump, they also mean bigger profits for oil companies. This week, the largest oil companies announced that they'd made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 a€“ up about 30 percent from last year.

Now, I don't have a problem with any company or industry being rewarded for their success. The incentive of healthy profits is what fuels entrepreneurialism and helps drives our economy forward. But I do have a problem with the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies we've been handing out to oil and gas companies a€“ to the tune of $4 billion a year. When oil companies are making huge profits and you're struggling at the pump, and we're scouring the federal budget for spending we can afford to do without, these tax giveaways aren't right. They aren't smart. And we need to end them.

That's why, earlier this week, I renewed my call to Congress to stop subsidizing the oil and gas industries. Understand, I'm not opposed to producing oil. I believe that if we're serious about meeting our energy challenge, we need to operate on all cylinders, and that means pursuing a broad range of energy policies, including safe and responsible oil production here at home. In fact, last year, America's oil production reached its highest level since 2003.

But I also believe that instead of subsidizing yesterday's energy, we should invest in tomorrow's a€“ and that's what we've been doing. Already, we've seen how the investments we're making in clean energy can lead to new jobs and new businesses. I've seen some of them myself a€“ small businesses that are making the most of solar and wind power, and energy-efficient technologies; big companies that are making fuel-efficient cars and trucks part of their vehicle fleets. And to promote these kinds of vehicles, we implemented historic new fuel-economy standards, which could save you as much as $3,000 at the pump.

Now, I know that in this tough fiscal environment, it's tempting for some in Washington to want to cut our investments in clean energy. And I absolutely agree that the only way we'll be able to afford the things we need is if we cut the things we don't, and live within our means. But I refuse to cut things like clean energy that will help America win the future by growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs; that will help make America more secure; and that will help clean up our planet in the process. An investment in clean energy today is an investment in a better tomorrow. And I think that's an investment worth making. Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.

USATODAY.com

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Republican address: Gas prices are Obama's fault

Republicans hit President Obama with three strikes in their weekly address, arguing he's wrong on gas prices, the budget and the national debt.

Freshman Rep. James Lankford of Oklahoma accused the president of contributing to the rise in gas prices by "choking off new sources of traditional American energy and smothering our economy in new energy regulations."

"His latest proposal -- hiking taxes by billions of dollars -- will not lower gas prices and would actually make the problem worse," Lankford said.

At the same time, he blames Obama for the nation's bulging budget deficit and national debt: "The president's proposal protects the status quo: an unsustainable system that will bankrupt Medicare and lead to future deep, painful benefit cuts for seniors, while continuing to pile trillions of dollars of obligation on the backs of future generations."

And as if that weren't enough, Lankford says, the president then wants to increase the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling without attaching spending controls favored by Republicans and even some Democrats -- "to let Washington borrow even more money from the Chinese and hand the bill to our kids and grandkids."

Here's Lankford's full address, delivered on behalf of congressional Republicans:

Hello, my name is James Lankford, and I'm a freshman Member of Congress, working for the people of Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District.

When I listen to my constituents about the challenges they face, skyrocketing cost of gasoline is at the top of the list. Prices at the pump have nearly doubled since President Obama took office, making everyday life like driving to work, buying groceries, picking up kids at school and visiting family more expensive.

Even worse, the rising price of fuel is costing jobs and hurting our economy. Higher energy prices hit virtually every American product and industry, making it more expensive to manufacture products, more expensive to ship goods, and more expensive for farmers and ranchers. In fact, higher energy costs make everything made in the USA more expensive, and send more good-paying jobs overseas.

Americans are looking for leadership to tackle the rising gas prices, but President Obama has only offered a tax increase on energy and the prospect of reduced supply. For more than two years, his administration has knowingly increased energy prices by choking off new sources of traditional American energy and smothering our economy in new energy regulations. His latest proposal -- hiking taxes by billions of dollars -- will not lower gas prices and would actually make the problem worse.

In my state, and in many other states, thousands of people depend directly on American energy production for their paychecks. The President may think he's punishing CEOs of big companies, but his plan will hurt the everyday consumer of energy and imperil the jobs of millions of hardworking people in American-based companies.

There is a better way. Republicans are focused on expanding all American energy production to help lower costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create millions of American jobs.

Next week, the House of Representatives will begin this process by passing legislation to increase the supply of American energy and create jobs. This legislation is part of our American Energy Initiative -- an ongoing effort to lower costs and allow the private sector to create more American jobs.

Quite simply, if the President chooses to punt on real long-term solutions for energy and gas prices, we will take the lead.

Two weeks ago, I was proud to cast my vote in the House for a budget that promotes economic growth and job creation by putting us on a path to pay down our debt, and preserve Medicaid and Medicare for current retirees and future generations. Our national debt is worse than most people realize. We must solve our budget problem, not just talk about the crisis.

The President's budget proposal fails to offer a credible plan that meets the nation's challenges in a serious manner. He considers it radical and extreme to balance the budget by doing what every American business and family does in tough times -- they reduce spending.

We need to be honest with the American people. Washington should not overspend, then go to the American people and demand a tax increase because we cannot make the tough decisions.

And, we cannot ignore the fact that tens of millions of Baby Boomers are beginning to retire while Medicare is already teetering at the brink of insolvency. We must stabilize, and protect Medicare and Medicaid.

Let me be clear: the Republican plan would not affect current Medicare beneficiaries, or any American 55 or older. To address Medicare's looming insolvency though, we put in place a plan to save Medicare for those under 55. We want them to have access to the same kind of medical retirement options that Members of Congress and all federal employees benefit from.

The President's proposal protects the status quo: an unsustainable system that will bankrupt Medicare and lead to future deep, painful benefit cuts for seniors, while continuing to pile trillions of dollars of obligation on the backs of future generations.

The world is watching to see how we'll handle our debt. Everyone wants to know if we'll just pile up more debt with no plan to ever pay it off, or if we will find a way to permanently work on our national debt.

The President wants us to raise the debt limit with no real reforms to stop future Washington spending binges. To let Washington borrow even more money from the Chinese and hand the bill to our kids and grandkids. This would be a stark moment in American history, when a president would intentionally declare: 'times are tough, I think I'll make life tougher on my kids and grandkids' generation to make life easier on me and my generation.'

We have responded differently: the American people will not tolerate an increase in the debt limit unless it comes with meaningful steps to cut Washington spending and start working us out of debt. No more blank checks and huge bills on our children so someone in Washington can retain power.

On gas prices, the budget, and the debt limit, we will continue to offer real solutions to lower gas prices, create jobs, and ensure the next generation still has a shot at the American dream.

Our nation's been through difficult times before. We can do this if we will work together to solve the problems instead of just talking about them. May God bless our families and our great nation.

Thank you for listening.

USATODAY.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Republican address: Gas prices are Obama's fault

Republicans hit President Obama with three strikes in their weekly address, arguing he's wrong on gas prices, the budget and the national debt.

Freshman Rep. James Lankford of Oklahoma accused the president of contributing to the rise in gas prices by "choking off new sources of traditional American energy and smothering our economy in new energy regulations."

"His latest proposal -- hiking taxes by billions of dollars -- will not lower gas prices and would actually make the problem worse," Lankford said.

At the same time, he blames Obama for the nation's bulging budget deficit and national debt: "The president's proposal protects the status quo: an unsustainable system that will bankrupt Medicare and lead to future deep, painful benefit cuts for seniors, while continuing to pile trillions of dollars of obligation on the backs of future generations."

And as if that weren't enough, Lankford says, the president then wants to increase the nation's $14.3 trillion debt ceiling without attaching spending controls favored by Republicans and even some Democrats -- "to let Washington borrow even more money from the Chinese and hand the bill to our kids and grandkids."

Here's Lankford's full address, delivered on behalf of congressional Republicans:

Hello, my name is James Lankford, and I'm a freshman Member of Congress, working for the people of Oklahoma's 5th Congressional District.

When I listen to my constituents about the challenges they face, skyrocketing cost of gasoline is at the top of the list. Prices at the pump have nearly doubled since President Obama took office, making everyday life like driving to work, buying groceries, picking up kids at school and visiting family more expensive.

Even worse, the rising price of fuel is costing jobs and hurting our economy. Higher energy prices hit virtually every American product and industry, making it more expensive to manufacture products, more expensive to ship goods, and more expensive for farmers and ranchers. In fact, higher energy costs make everything made in the USA more expensive, and send more good-paying jobs overseas.

Americans are looking for leadership to tackle the rising gas prices, but President Obama has only offered a tax increase on energy and the prospect of reduced supply. For more than two years, his administration has knowingly increased energy prices by choking off new sources of traditional American energy and smothering our economy in new energy regulations. His latest proposal -- hiking taxes by billions of dollars -- will not lower gas prices and would actually make the problem worse.

In my state, and in many other states, thousands of people depend directly on American energy production for their paychecks. The President may think he's punishing CEOs of big companies, but his plan will hurt the everyday consumer of energy and imperil the jobs of millions of hardworking people in American-based companies.

There is a better way. Republicans are focused on expanding all American energy production to help lower costs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create millions of American jobs.

Next week, the House of Representatives will begin this process by passing legislation to increase the supply of American energy and create jobs. This legislation is part of our American Energy Initiative -- an ongoing effort to lower costs and allow the private sector to create more American jobs.

Quite simply, if the President chooses to punt on real long-term solutions for energy and gas prices, we will take the lead.

Two weeks ago, I was proud to cast my vote in the House for a budget that promotes economic growth and job creation by putting us on a path to pay down our debt, and preserve Medicaid and Medicare for current retirees and future generations. Our national debt is worse than most people realize. We must solve our budget problem, not just talk about the crisis.

The President's budget proposal fails to offer a credible plan that meets the nation's challenges in a serious manner. He considers it radical and extreme to balance the budget by doing what every American business and family does in tough times -- they reduce spending.

We need to be honest with the American people. Washington should not overspend, then go to the American people and demand a tax increase because we cannot make the tough decisions.

And, we cannot ignore the fact that tens of millions of Baby Boomers are beginning to retire while Medicare is already teetering at the brink of insolvency. We must stabilize, and protect Medicare and Medicaid.

Let me be clear: the Republican plan would not affect current Medicare beneficiaries, or any American 55 or older. To address Medicare's looming insolvency though, we put in place a plan to save Medicare for those under 55. We want them to have access to the same kind of medical retirement options that Members of Congress and all federal employees benefit from.

The President's proposal protects the status quo: an unsustainable system that will bankrupt Medicare and lead to future deep, painful benefit cuts for seniors, while continuing to pile trillions of dollars of obligation on the backs of future generations.

The world is watching to see how we'll handle our debt. Everyone wants to know if we'll just pile up more debt with no plan to ever pay it off, or if we will find a way to permanently work on our national debt.

The President wants us to raise the debt limit with no real reforms to stop future Washington spending binges. To let Washington borrow even more money from the Chinese and hand the bill to our kids and grandkids. This would be a stark moment in American history, when a president would intentionally declare: 'times are tough, I think I'll make life tougher on my kids and grandkids' generation to make life easier on me and my generation.'

We have responded differently: the American people will not tolerate an increase in the debt limit unless it comes with meaningful steps to cut Washington spending and start working us out of debt. No more blank checks and huge bills on our children so someone in Washington can retain power.

On gas prices, the budget, and the debt limit, we will continue to offer real solutions to lower gas prices, create jobs, and ensure the next generation still has a shot at the American dream.

Our nation's been through difficult times before. We can do this if we will work together to solve the problems instead of just talking about them. May God bless our families and our great nation.

Thank you for listening.

USATODAY.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Obama's weekly address: End oil subsidies (reprise)

President Obama must really want to end government subsidies for the oil and gas industry. Why else would he devote his weekly address to it two weeks in a row?

Well, maybe because it's good politics. After all, even Republican House Speaker John Boehner opened the door last week to reconsidering the $4 billion a year in subsidies given to oil companies by saying they should "pay their fair share."

The president's address last week focused on ending the subsidies and investing the savings in the clean energy sources of tomorrow. This week's address? Pretty much the exact same thing.

Well, there was one addition: announcements from the largest oil companies that they had made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 a€“ up about 30% from last year, Obama said.

"When oil companies are making huge profits and you're struggling at the pump, and we're scouring the federal budget for spending we can afford to do without, these tax giveaways aren't right," the president said. "They aren't smart. And we need to end them."

After the worst recession since the Great Depression, our economy is growing again, and we've gained almost 2 million private sector jobs over the last 13 months. But I also know that a lot of folks aren't feeling as positive as some of those statistics might suggest. It's still too hard to find a job. And even if you have a job, chances are you're having a tougher time paying the rising costs of everything from groceries to gas. In some places, gas is now more than $4 a gallon, meaning that you could be paying upwards of $50 or $60 to fill up your tank.

Of course, while rising gas prices mean real pain for our families at the pump, they also mean bigger profits for oil companies. This week, the largest oil companies announced that they'd made more than $25 billion in the first few months of 2011 a€“ up about 30 percent from last year.

Now, I don't have a problem with any company or industry being rewarded for their success. The incentive of healthy profits is what fuels entrepreneurialism and helps drives our economy forward. But I do have a problem with the unwarranted taxpayer subsidies we've been handing out to oil and gas companies a€“ to the tune of $4 billion a year. When oil companies are making huge profits and you're struggling at the pump, and we're scouring the federal budget for spending we can afford to do without, these tax giveaways aren't right. They aren't smart. And we need to end them.

That's why, earlier this week, I renewed my call to Congress to stop subsidizing the oil and gas industries. Understand, I'm not opposed to producing oil. I believe that if we're serious about meeting our energy challenge, we need to operate on all cylinders, and that means pursuing a broad range of energy policies, including safe and responsible oil production here at home. In fact, last year, America's oil production reached its highest level since 2003.

But I also believe that instead of subsidizing yesterday's energy, we should invest in tomorrow's a€“ and that's what we've been doing. Already, we've seen how the investments we're making in clean energy can lead to new jobs and new businesses. I've seen some of them myself a€“ small businesses that are making the most of solar and wind power, and energy-efficient technologies; big companies that are making fuel-efficient cars and trucks part of their vehicle fleets. And to promote these kinds of vehicles, we implemented historic new fuel-economy standards, which could save you as much as $3,000 at the pump.

Now, I know that in this tough fiscal environment, it's tempting for some in Washington to want to cut our investments in clean energy. And I absolutely agree that the only way we'll be able to afford the things we need is if we cut the things we don't, and live within our means. But I refuse to cut things like clean energy that will help America win the future by growing our economy and creating good-paying jobs; that will help make America more secure; and that will help clean up our planet in the process. An investment in clean energy today is an investment in a better tomorrow. And I think that's an investment worth making. Thanks for listening, and have a great weekend.

USATODAY.com

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.