Obama Calls Out Climate and Energy in his Acceptance Speech
Posted: (August 29, 2008 09:57 am)

"For the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In 10 years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East," he said.

He criticized McCain's congressional record on energy.  "Washington has been talking about our oil addiction for the last 30 years, and by the way John McCain has been there for 26 of them," said Obama. "In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investment in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Sen. McCain took office."

Obama also criticized the push for more domestic drilling, which McCain has signed onto. "Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stop-gap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close."

As for Obama's own energy plan, he first touted not-so-green energies -- coal, nuclear, natural gas -- before moving on to promoting renewables.

"As president, I will tap our natural-gas reserves, invest in clean-coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies retool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars," he said. "And I'll invest $150 billion over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels -- an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced."

He moved on to broader remarks about building a better tomorrow, from education to health care to Iraq.

"I will restore our moral standing so that America is once more the last, best hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, who long for lives of peace, and who yearn for a better future." 

Obama As President says he will

• tap our natural gas reserves,
• invest in clean coal technology,
• safely harness nuclear power.
• help auto companies re-tool, to build
• fuel-efficient cars
• 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy -- wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels;
• an investment that will lead to new industries and five million
• Great on removal of capital gains taxes on start