Blog

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator (EPA) Lisa Jackson will convene a live online discussion about the Clean Air Act and the EPA’s latest efforts to reduce dangerous air pollution. Administrator Jackson will be joined by young people who care deeply about this issue, as well as moderator Kalpen Modi of the Office of Public Engagement.

There are certain things many of us take for granted. We turn on the faucet and expect drinkable water. We take a deep breath and expect toxin-free air. We go to the beach and expect pollution-free waves. At a minimum, we expect to be able to live and raise our children in an environment that doesn’t threaten our health.

Earlier today, President Obama held a press conference to address several developing situations around the world, and here at home. He discussed a range of issues, including the tragedy in Japan, the escalating situation in the Middle East, America’s ongoing budget debate, and volatile gas prices.

Democrats and Republicans must come together in the weeks ahead, setting aside partisanship to reach an agreement to fund the government for the rest of 2011. President Obama has been clear that he is eager to find common ground with Republicans that eliminates wasteful spending and fuels economic growth. But the President cannot support the Republicans’ current plan, which is a partisan effort to bulldoze crucial programs – one that would cripple our economy.

President Obama discusses his recent travels throughout the country and highlights the types of companies and business models he’s seen that will help America win the future. As the budget debate comes to a head, the President urges Congress to heed these examples and to tighten our belts while still investing in areas that will grow our economy: innovation, education, and infrastructure.

As the economy begins to recover from the worst recession in 80 years, President Obama proposed a plan to strengthen the incubators of growth while also helping our country live within its means. The plan makes targeted investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure – and is designed not just to create jobs right now but also to reinforce the pillars of long-term stability.

In President Obama’s State of the Union address, he promised that the United States would out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. The budget the President proposed this week takes another step forward in fulfilling that pledge – in part by bolstering innovation.