First 100 Days: Obama Announces First Steps Toward Energy Independence

(Jan. 26, 2009)—In the East Room of the White House today, President Obama spoke on jobs, energy independence and climate change.

With the theme of "From Peril to Progress," the President opened his remarks by addressing the recent layoffs at Home Depot, United Airlines, Microsoft and Sprint Nextel. "These are not just numbers on a page," the newly elected U.S. President said. " As with the millions of jobs lost in 2008, these are working men and women whose families have been disrupted and whose dreams have been put on hold."

President Obama spoke with confident urgency as he laid out the foundation for a plan that would not only help the U.S. become energy independent, but would enhance our national security, help the environment and bolster the economy and job market. The heart of the President's speech was his announcement of the first steps toward carrying out this mission. Below are highlights. You can read President Obama's full remarks at Whitehouse.gov, where he gives tactical information and data to support step:

Create a new American energy economy that will result in millions of jobs in the U.S. "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan before Congress places a down payment on this economy," says Obama. " It will put 460,000 Americans to work, with clean energy investments and double the capacity to generate alternative energy over the next three years."

Ensure fuel-efficient cars are built right here in the U.S. Obama says this solution will not only reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but also ensure the auto industry "keeps pace with competitors around the world."

Work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To support his point that Washington should not stand in the way of State-led efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, President Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency to "immediately review the denial of the California waiver request and determine the best way forward." The President says this solution will help move America forward in becoming energy independent and less dependent on oil that threatens our national security, economy and planet.

Show the world America is ready to lead. "To protect our climate and our collective security, we must call together a truly global coalition," President Obama says. "I've made it clear that we will act, but so too must the world." While saying the U.S. will hold countries like India and China accountable for strengthening global security and the health of the environment, the President also took a tough stance on dictators and terrorists, saying, "That's how we will deny leverage to dictators and dollars to terrorists."

President Obama concluded his speech by saying, "Those are my priorities, and they're reflected in the executive orders that I'm about to sign."

While it has been a week rich in action--not just talk --for the new administration, President Obama has made it a point to use his blog at the new White House Web site to its full advantage, offering progress reports on issues pertaining to new staff appointments and the Mexico City Policy.

All this and he also managed to wish Happy New Year those celebrating the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Ox. To learn more visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov.