"U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday gave Congress an ultimatum on climate change: craft a plan to slash greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the dangers of a warming world, or the White House will go it alone."
"'If Congress won't act soon to protect future generations, I will,' Obama said in his State of the Union address. 'I will direct my Cabinet to come up with executive actions we can take, now and in the future, to reduce pollution, prepare our communities for the consequences of climate change, and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy.'
Congress should consider putting a price on climate-warming carbon emissions, Obama said, briefly nodding to his failed, first-term plan to confront climate change. Republican opposition means the president's best chance to confront the issue will mean flexing executive power.
He vowed to push for more and cheaper solar and wind energy, and pledged to cut red tape to encourage more drilling for domestic natural gas, which Obama said had driven down fuel prices in the United States."
Patrick Rucker and Deborah Zabarenko report for Reuters February 13, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"State Of The Union: Obama Addresses Climate Change And Green Energy, Short On Details" (Huffington Post)
"Climate Change In Obama's Speech Draws Hesitant Optimism From Environmentalists" (Huffington Post)
"Opinion: State of the Union Is Often Paved With Green Intentions" (Daily Climate/Peter Dykstra)
"Union: Obama Vows Climate Change Action ‘Before It’s Too Late’" (ENS)
"Obama’s State of the Union Climate Call May Buy Time For EPA" (Politico)
"Obama Seeks Oil-Funded Research To Tackle Climate Change" (USA TODAY)
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