Bush wants America to be front-runner in green energy

George Bush’s annual Presidential speech on Monday included climate change and energy as one of several key domestic and foreign policy topics.

The speech’s main emphasis was on America’s need for energy security, and to reduce its dependence on oil. Bush pledged that the US will “continue leading the way” in developing cleaner and energy efficient technology, and that the use of nuclear power should be increased to reduce carbon emissions.

He also reiterated that the U.S. commitment to reach an international agreement on tackling climate change - representing a strong turnaround from his refusal to sign up to Kyoto.

He said that an international agreement “has the potential to slow, stop and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases,” and will “be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.”

President Bush added that funding for research into cleaner energy technology is essential, and appealed to members of the Democratic Congress to double the current financial support. He also called for the implementation of a new international clean technology fund that would enable developing nations - including Indian and China - to make better use of green energy.

“To keep America competitive into the future,” Bush said, “we must trust in the skill of our scientists and engineers and empower them to pursue the breakthroughs of tomorrow.”