Transport

In President-elect Barack Obama’s first speech of 2009 he outlined a major investment plan to boost the US economy centred on works creating a new energy infrastructure and more energy efficient buildings.

He urged Congress to put aside ideological difference and support a raft of measures that include a commitment to improve the energy efficiency of 75% of federal buildings and two million homes, as well as a doubling of the production of alternative energy over the next three years.

Plans to rebuild the infrastructure of the US – roads, bridges and schools – also encompass the creation of a new smart grid that will be more efficient and more able to handle increased levels of renewable energy generation.

The plan will not only boost the economy, claims Obama, but will also lead to the creation of over three million jobs.

“We will put Americans to work in new jobs – jobs building solar panels and wind turbines; constructing fuel-efficient cars and buildings; and developing the new energy technologies that will lead to even more jobs, more savings, and a cleaner, safer planet in the bargain,” he said.

American billionaire businessman, and investor in renewables, T. Boone Pickens welcomed Obama’s plans.

“A program focused on renewable energy, conservation, improving the grid and replacing foreign oil with domestic resources in our transportation system is something that I believe will create hundreds of thousands of jobs and revitalizes our economy,” he commented.

For further information:
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