America aims for energy independence

US President Barack Obama has announced a comprehensive strategy to free America from what he calls a 'dangerous dependence' on foreign oil


Mr Obama also aims to create the ‘foundation’ for a new clean energy economy and has promised new industries with millions of green jobs.

At a meeting with a bipartisan group of governors from around the country, the president laid out three measures aimed at boosting biofuels production and reduce what he called the ‘dangerous dependence’ on foreign oil.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to implement the long-term renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022 established by Congress.

The US Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule on the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) that would provide financing to increase the conversion of biomass to bioenergy.

Mr Obama said: “Now, I happen to believe we should pass a comprehensive energy and climate bill.

“It will make clean energy the profitable kind of energy, and the decision by other nations to do this is already giving their businesses a leg up on developing clean energy jobs and technologies.

“But even if you disagree on the threat posed by climate change, investing in clean energy jobs and businesses is still the right thing to do for our economy.

“Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is still the right thing to do for our security.

“We can’t afford to spin our wheels while the rest of the world speeds ahead.”

Luke Walsh

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