President Bush wants Congress to act on an energy
initiative that he says will change the way Americans power their homes,
businesses and cars.
He wants more funding for hydrogen fuel cells, which emit no pollution,
and are more efficient than gasoline-driven engines. The plan also backs
more research into electric hybrid vehicles that he says could allow many
drivers to make their daily commute, without burning any gasoline.
"By developing these and other new sources of clean renewable energy,
like ethanol, we will continue growing our economy, reduce energy prices
and protect our environment, and make America less dependent on foreign
oil," said Mr. Bush.
The president is under pressure to do something about higher energy
costs at a time of record low public approval ratings.
A Washington Post / ABC News poll says 70 percent of Americans say
higher gas prices are causing them financial hardship. And most are
blaming President Bush with 74 percent disapproving of how he is handling
those higher prices.
That is not likely to get better any time soon, with oil industry
analysts predicting still higher prices, fueled by concerns about the
standoff over Iran's nuclear program and
violence disrupting production in Nigeria.
Opposition Democrats are hoping to capitalize on voter anxiety, with
nearly one-third of Democratic Senate candidates staging campaign events
this weekend focusing on higher energy costs.
Democrats feel the president is particularly vulnerable on this issue,
as both he and Vice President Dick Cheney have worked in the oil sector.
In the Democratic radio address, Florida Senator Bill Nelson attacked Bush
administration tax cuts for oil producers.
"Americans are frustrated, and sick and tired of billion-dollar
giveaways for oil companies, while the price of gas is going through the
roof," said Mr. Nelson.
Nelson says President Bush is aware of the problem, but says his words
are not backed up with the tough policy changes needed to make a real
difference. The Democrat criticized what he says is a Republican focus on
more drilling, which he says cannot solve the problem in a country that
consumes one-quarter of the world's oil production, but has just three
percent of its known reserves.
"We simply cannot drill our way out of this problem," added Mr. Nelson.
"We have to take more dramatic steps, including conservation. First, we
must confront some powerful interests, including the oil lobby."
Nelson says President Bush must do more to promote the production of
synthetic fuel from coal. While Nelson says technology exists to
dramatically increase efficiency standards in passenger vehicles, but
President Bush is pushing a more modest gain for light trucks.
President Bush continued to push his energy plan on Earth Day with a
visit to a California partnership working on hydrogen fuel cells for
cars. |