Bush Final Address Too Little, Too Late

WASHINGTON, DC (January 28, 2008) - In his final State of the Union address, President Bush missed his last opportunity to confront America's global warming challenge and commit to enacting binding climate legislation by the end of his term.

 

The president called upon American researchers and entrepreneurs "to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology," and asked the nation to reduce its addiction to oil as a matter of national security. On the international front, he proposed creating an international clean technology fund, with the purpose of assisting developing nations reduce their global warming impact.

 

Following is a statement by Karen Wayland, legislative director, NRDC:

 

"Any presumption that the crisis of global warming can be met through voluntary measures is a fantasy. Anything less than science-based, binding reductions in global warming pollution isn't going to meet the challenge.

 

"American researchers and entrepreneurs respond to market signals, which a market-based cap-and-trade program will send. If there are no mandatory controls there is very little incentive to invest or innovate.

 

"One immediate action the president could take this week is make sure the stimulus package includes investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency that will help jump-start the American economy, and not just prevent layoffs but create new jobs.

 

"America needs more than just lip service from this president. If he wants his legacy to include solving global warming, he needs to throw all his weight behind bringing strong global warming legislation to his desk before he leaves office."