Standing in Portsmouth Public Library – New Hampshire’s first LEED-certified green municipal building – Barack laid out his vision to restore America as a global leader on energy.
An introductory video featured audio recordings of every President since Richard Nixon promising changes in energy policy – promises that never materialized. Barack cited his own record of leadership in standing up to special interests, challenging conventional thinking, and building consensus for change as proof that he can break the Washington gridlock that has prevented fundamental change on energy policy:
The truth is, our energy problem has become an energy crisis because no matter how well-intentioned the promise – no matter how bold the proposal – they all fall victim to the same Washington politics that has only become more divided and dishonest; more timid and calculating; more beholden to the powerful interests that have the biggest stake in the status quo.There are some in this race who actually make the argument that the more time you spend immersed in the broken politics of Washington, the more likely you are to change it. I always find this a little amusing. I know that change makes for good campaign rhetoric, but when these same people had the chance to actually make it happen, they didn’t lead. When they had the chance to stand up and require automakers to raise their fuel standards, they refused. When they had multiple chances to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by investing in renewable fuels that we can literally grow right here in America, they said no.
The truth is, our energy problem has become an energy crisis because no matter how well-intentioned the promise – no matter how bold the proposal – they all fall victim to the same Washington politics that has only become more divided and dishonest; more timid and calculating; more beholden to the powerful interests that have the biggest stake in the status quo.
There are some in this race who actually make the argument that the more time you spend immersed in the broken politics of Washington, the more likely you are to change it. I always find this a little amusing. I know that change makes for good campaign rhetoric, but when these same people had the chance to actually make it happen, they didn’t lead. When they had the chance to stand up and require automakers to raise their fuel standards, they refused. When they had multiple chances to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by investing in renewable fuels that we can literally grow right here in America, they said no.
Barack set forth a comprehensive plan to combat global climate change, free us from our dependence on foreign oil, create new jobs and industries, and give America the credibility to call for a global effort to become more energy efficient. Barack’s plan consists of the following:
Portsmouth City Councilor Ned Raynolds, an expert on energy and environmental policy, was one of the chief proponents of making the library a green building. Today’s speech prompted him to sign on to the campaign:
This was the speech I’ve been waiting for a candidate to give for ten years. I’m very impressed that he had the courage to challenge the car companies and businesses and American people to move beyond a carbon-based economy…And I’m impressed that he’s willing to lead – truly lead – on these issues and emphasize the importance of these issues to restoring American leadership in the world.
You can read the full plan here (PDF).
And check out early positive reactions here.
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