On Earth Day President Obama promotes alternative energy use

by Amy Judd | April 22, 2009 at 01:55 pm

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On this Earth Day in Iowa, President Obama promoted the use of alternative energy sources so that the U.S. can be kinder to their earth. He said that the country should be more dependent on energy forms like wind and solar. He wants his country to ditch the title of 'the world's leading importer of oil' and instead become known for using clean energy.

"So on this Earth Day, it is time for us to lay a new foundation for economic growth by beginning a new era of energy exploration in America," said President Obama.

Obama was in Newton, Iowa, where they have put some measures towards clean energy by opening a factory that makes equipment for wind power. The President took a tour of the factory and expressed his desire to have more businesses like that one.

He wants to create 'green' jobs in the energy sector.

President Obama will be meeting with other world leaders in Washington next week to discuss the impending energy crisis.

"Truth is, the United States has been slow to participate in this kind of a process, working with other nations, but those days are over now," said Mr. Obama. "We are ready to engage, and we are asking other nations to join us in tackling this challenge together."

Obama also wants to create a program where public waters can be leased to create electricity from ocean current and wind.

The president said there is no "silver bullet" to solving the country's energy needs, and that a variety of energy sources will be required to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The United States needs to boost domestic production of oil and natural gas in the short term before fully transitioning to alternative sources, Obama said.