State of the Union: Will this be "a Breakthrough Year for America” and for the Planet?

The President was right in his State if the Union address:  As a nation, we are united by the notion that you can get a head if you work hard and take responsibility.   And right now, too many people are working hard but are not getting ahead and seeing the results of The American Dream.  So, what to do about it?  Let’s put our innovation, talents and energy to work building and transitioning to a greener, more efficient, and more profitable economy.  

I heard some things in the State of the Union that gave me some hope.  The President talked about ending fossil fuel subsidies and protecting more of our national landscape through conservation, so let’s do it.  He also talked about our growing solar leadership and how this leads to jobs like solar installation that are sourced locally, and are also great for the economy.  Let’s encourage more alternative energy growth, and more conservation as promised, though efficiency standards and also hopefully through sensible regulations to limit pollution.  

As Mr. Obama stated, we have to do more and we have to do it soon.  Climate change is indeed a fact.  We need training and education initiatives for a new economy, and these programs need real investment.  

Today, the President’s budget proposed $7.6 billion to fund clean energy technologies and $4 billion to help states cut emissions from power plants.  In addition, the President’s budget suggests the permanent extension of the Production Tax Credit, for wind energy projects, and the Investment Tax Credit for the solar industry.  Funds are also allocated to protecting and repairing the nation’s national parks and to invest in renewable energy projects on federal lands as well.  The President’s plan also allocates funds to help low-income communities facing disproportionate risks and effects from climate change.  

It is time to take all of these actions and more.  As a global community, we need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and we need to begin to invest in a cleaner tech future where we take care of the environment better and do not see the environment in competition with a healthy economy, for all.  We should be competing as nations to see who’s the greenest and who can invent an exciting, efficient future the fastest.  I hope this is the year we start to figure out a real and winning strategy for both people and planet.