Last night President Obama made several references to the growing renewable energy industry. He began by noting that the U.S. is not alone in its pursuit of clean energy. China, President Obama explained, is currently home to the largest solar power research facility and world’s fastest computer. He announced these breakthroughs with a steady air of warning: the U.S. is in a renewable energy race. It is a well known fact that he who attains the best energy rules. For the U.S., renewable energy isn’t just a matter of world leadership; it is the central matter of the economy.
Despite China’s scientific advances President Obama acknowledged the US still has the most successful economy and best colleges. He stressed the importance of education as the key to renewable energy and a strong economy, declaring, “in America, innovation doesn’t just change our lives, it is how we make our living.”
Many American’s tuned in to the broadcast to hear the President discuss job programs. He briefly discussed investing in clean energy and taking away tax breaks from big oil companies. He also stressed the need to “reinvest energy policy” and used an example of a roofing company, Allen Brothers, that had reinvented itself and is now selling solar shingles.
President Obama set several goals for renewable energy during his address. He challenged Americans to get eighty percent of their electricity from clean energy by 2035 and have one million electric cars on the road by 2015. To meet these ambitious goals, President Obama made it clear all forms of renewable energy would have to be used.
It has been known for sometime now that the country with the best forms of energy will help protect the environment, restore a broken economy, and lead the world in the twenty first century. President Obama made it clear in his speech last night that his administration is dedicated to the future of science both in practice and education. He understands it is the key to winning the race for renewables; a race that is in the best interest of all American’s to win.
