President-elect Barack Obama gave a major economic speech yesterday in which he pledged to double the nation's production of alternative energy in the next three years.
Speaking at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, he said the federal government will "modernize" more than 75% of its buildings, while supporting energy efficiency improvements in 2 million American homes.
Obama also said the U.S. must begin building a "smart grid" capable of saving money and integrating renewable energy sources.
Democratic legislators have been stumping for Obama's legislative agenda for about a week, but this speech is likely to spark the nationwide debate over a stimulus and recovery plan that aims for 'green' job growth.
Already industry leaders like T. Boone Pickens and Exxon CEO Rex W. Tillerson have made public comments. Pickens said Obama's plan is an "important first step," while Tillerson said it is a good "aspirational" goal, but he doubts the U.S. has the manufacturing capacity to double alternative energy in three years.
Analysts predicted it will be difficult to meet the goals while oil prices remain low.
The League of Conservation Voters said Obama's plan is "just what the doctor ordered."
You can link to a transcript of Obama's comments below. Please share your thoughts on the scope and outlook of Obama's plan.
