Energy Independence

In the past, America has been stirred to action when faced with new threats to our national security, or new competitive conditions that undercut our economic leadership. The energy threat we face today may be less immediate than threats from dictators, but it is as real and as dangerous. The dangers are eclipsed only by the opportunities that would come with change.

We know that the jobs of the 21st century will be created in developing new energy solutions. The question is whether these jobs will be created in America, or abroad. We should use government procurement policies to incentivize domestic production of clean and renewable energy.

For the sake of our security -- and for every American family that is paying the price at the pump -- we will break our addiction to foreign oil. We Democrats commit to fast-track investment of billions of dollars over the next ten years to establish a green energy sector that will create up to five million jobs. This transition to a clean-energy industry will also benefit low-income communities: we'll create an energy-focused youth job program to give disadvantaged youth job skills for this emerging industry.

We'll dramatically increase the fuel efficiency of automobiles, and we'll help auto manufacturers and parts suppliers convert to build the cars and trucks of the future and their 18 key components in the United States. And we will help workers learn the skills they need to compete in the green economy. We are committed to getting at least 25 percent of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

To lower the price of gasoline, we will crack down on speculators who are driving up prices beyond the natural market rate. We will direct the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to vigorously investigate and prosecute market manipulation in oil futures. And we will help those who are hit hardest by high energy prices by increasing funding for low-income heating assistance and weatherization programs, and by providing energy assistance to help middle-class families make ends meet in this time of inflated energy prices.

The Latest »

Our Clean Energy Economy

June 25, 2009 - With a full House vote expected this week on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (or Waxman-Markey), all eyes turn to the nation’s energy policy.
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Clean Energy, Green Jobs and Climate

June 23, 2009 - The Obama Administration is dispatching cabinet secretaries and senior officials around the country this week to highlight the need for comprehensive energy legislation that makes us more energy independent, reduces climate change-causing greenhouse gas emissions and creates millions of green jobs.
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Van Jones, Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

March 21, 2009 - Van Jones was appointed to serve as Special Advisor for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the Council on Environmental Quality. Jones will help shape the Administration's energy and climate initiatives.
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House Passes the President's Economic Stimulus Package

February 13, 2009 - President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package cleared the House as Republicans continued their ''Just Say No'' campaign.
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President Obama in Fort Myers, Florida

February 10, 2009 - President Obama is speaking in Fort Myers, Florida about the economic stimulus and getting our economy back on track.
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President Barack Obama on the Economic Stimulus Bill

February 6, 2009 - At the House Democratic Caucus Retreat in Williamsburg, Virginia, President Barack Obama spoke about the economic stimulus bill and the critics who believe we can turn back to the same, tired policies of the past.
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President Obama Visits DOE, Talks Energy Independence

February 5, 2009 - President Barack Obama visited staff at the Department of Energy and spoke about energy independence and his plan to stimulate the economy.
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Obama Announces Key Members of Energy, Environment Team

December 15, 2008 - President-Elect Barack Obama named Dr. Steven Chu to Secretary of Energy, and Lisa Jackson to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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''Rearview Mirror''

October 30, 2008 - Wonder where John McCain will take the economy? Look behind you. We can't afford more of the same.
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Another Former Republican Senator for Obama

October 28, 2008 - In an op-ed printed in the Washington Post this morning, former Maryland Senator Charles Mathias (R) endorsed Senator Barack Obama. Mathias served in the House of Representatives from 1961 until 1969 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate and served until 1987.
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