“Energy” In the State of the Union

Yesterday, we noted the frequency with which President Bush has mentioned “energy” in previous State of the Union speeches. While the 2008 SOTU did highlight the urgency of the transition to a low-carbon economy, and included the word “energy” five times, it contained more doublespeak than leadership. Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Daniel Weiss countered the misleading points in Bush’s address. Some highlights:

SPEECH: “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.”

RECORD: Oil consumption is up by nearly 3 percent since 2006, when Bush said, “America is addicted to oil.”

SPEECH: “Last year, I asked you to pass legislation to reduce oil consumption over the next decade, and you responded.”

RECORD: Bush opposed provisions to significantly raise fuel economy standards in the energy bill and threatened to veto the bill if they were not changed.

SPEECH: “Together we should take the next steps: Let us fund new technologies that can generate coal power while capturing carbon emissions.”

RECORD: Bush threatened to veto the tax incentives package that included incentives for clean coal. Congress dropped the incentives for clean coal, along with other provisions for new technologies, because of his veto threat.

SPEECH: “Let us increase the use of renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power.”

RECORD: Bush threatened to veto the energy bill because it included a renewable electricity standard that would have increased the use of renewable electricity up to 15 percent by 2020. Congress dropped the provision because of the Bush veto threat.

SPEECH: “Let us continue investing in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels to power the cars and trucks of the future.”

RECORD: Bush threatened to veto the tax incentives package that included incentives for plug-in hybrids and renewable fuels. Congress dropped these provisions because of his veto threat.

SPEECH: “Let us create a new international clean technology fund, 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 reverse the growth of greenhouse gases.”

RECORD: Bush has consistently opposed binding mandatory reductions of greenhouse gases proposed by the European Union and other allies during the G-8 and Bali climate talks.

The score count for “cap and trade” is still zero after last night. As we reported last week, a cap-and-trade system could deliver a one-two punch by reducing carbon emissions and generating additional government revenue to stimulate the economy and invest in sustainable energy programs.

Tags: Energy

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