Barack Obama on Energy
Barack Obama believes that energy security is national security.
The Obama plan will cut U.S. oil consumption of foreign oil by 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, take 50
million cars worth of pollution off the road, and save American consumers more than $50 billion at the
gas pump.
Reduce Carbon Emissions to Stop Climate Change: Global climate change is the most important
environmental issue facing the planet today. Obama supports implementation of a market-based
cap-and-trade system to effectively reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Increase Gas Mileage Standards: Obama brought together supporters and opponents of gas mileage
standards to support bold legislation doubling fuel economy standards in 18 years. Obama’s plan
establishes concrete efficiency targets while giving industry the flexibility to meet those targets.
Promote Domestic Hybrid Car Production: Obama will encourage U.S. automakers to make
fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles by providing incentives for companies to modernize their domestic auto
plants and helping companies shoulder the health care costs of their retirees in exchange for investing 50
percent of the savings into fuel-efficient technology.
Lower the Amount of Carbon in Our Fuels: Obama will establish a National Low Carbon Fuel
Standard requiring gas companies to reduce the carbon in transportation fuels 10 percent by 2020.
Grow More American Renewable Fuels: Barack Obama has been one of the strongest proponents
in Congress for increasing the national supply of home-grown American renewable fuels. Obama
introduced the American Fuels Act with Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN) to increase domestic production,
distribution, and use of biofuels. Obama also championed successful legislation to make gas stations
eligible for tax credits to install E85 ethanol refueling pumps.
Invest in Renewable Technology: Barack Obama will establish a 20 percent Renewable Portfolio
Standard (RPS) to require that 20 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. is derived by clean,
sustainable energy sources. This requirement will create thousands of new American jobs, especially in
rural areas.
