Posted on 06/16/2010 9:09:33 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
Passing an energy bill will be President Barack Obama's top legislative priority this summer, White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton said Wednesday.
The president's main focus will shift to working toward a comprehensive energy bill once the Congress finishes up work on Wall Street reform, a process that is expected to conclude this month.
"I would say that just in terms of timing, obviously, financial regulatory reform, that goes first," Burton said during an appearance on the liberal Bill Press radio show when asked if energy would be the top legislative priority for the White House.
"After we get through that, yes," Burton added.
Obama underscored the need for energy legislation Tuesday night during his Oval Office address, saying he's open to all approaches that would help transition the U.S. toward using renewable, clean energy sources.
"So I’m happy to look at other ideas and approaches from either party -– as long they seriously tackle our addiction to fossil fuels," Obama said. "But the one approach I will not accept is inaction."
The House passed a climate change bill a year ago, and senators have been put on notice to expect to focus on energy legislation this summer. But even Democrats in the majority have had trouble agreeing on what that bill should look like — namely whether or not it should include measures to rein in climate change, or stay focused on supporting renewable energy and adding regulations to prevent the kinds of accidents that resulted in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The focus on energy marks something of a pivot in the administration's strategy for the summer, though. In April, Obama told Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.), with whom he meets Wednesday in the Oval Office, that immigration reform legislation was "coming down the pike."
The focus on energy also adds to a busy summer schedule for lawmakers, who want to pass more long-term extensions to federal benefits programs and the Disclose Act campaign finance reform bill and, in the Senate, work to confirm Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. All that action comes against the backdrop of this November's midterm elections in Congress, in which Republicans hope to pick up a number of Democratic seats, maybe enough to take over one or both houses.
Green Jobs!!!
.. and the Death of a Nation's Economy ..
The True Priority #1.
It’s not an addiction....it’s a necessity for providing utilities and transportation for MILLIONS of people...AROUND THE WORLD. AND IT’S RELIABLE!!!
I thought unemployment was his #1 focus? Did he not be sufficiently clear about that some time recently? Had laser vision on the jobs issue? Or, my memory is failing.
The list, ping
Oh yeah! I can just imagine how happy congressional Democrats will be having to discuss raising taxes and cost on energy this summer as November fast approaches. Go for it Obama! May as well blow another hole into the hull of your sinking ship.
Picture America going cold-turkey from fossil fuels. I say we do a practice run. No more food trucked into any city of more than 1 million people.
Bend over America..Obama is coming to ‘kick your ass’!
LOL-i guess we can forget about immigration...
Getting as much of this stuff passed before November is the plan here.
“Mr. Give me the wealth Obama”
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.