[ RadSafe ] Extracted comments on energy, technology and nuclear energy from the State of the Union Address

Wed Feb 1 12:55:50 CST 2006

FYI
The American Institute of Physics Bulletin of Science
Policy News Number 16: February 1, 2006

President Bush Proposes Strong S&T Programs in State
of the Union Address

President Bush outlined two robust science and
technology programs in last night's State of the Union
Address.  After first noting concern about economic
competition from countries such as India and China,
the President outlined two S&T initiatives. 
Selections from his address follow:

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:

"The American economy is preeminent, but we cannot
afford to be complacent.  In a dynamic world economy,
we are seeing new competitors, like China and India,
and this creates uncertainty, which makes it easier to
feed people's fears."

"Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our
economy growing."

ADVANCED ENERGY INITIATIVE:

"Keeping America competitive requires affordable
energy.  And here we have a serious problem:  America
is addicted to oil, which is often imported from
unstable parts of the world.  The best way to break
this addiction is through technology.  Since 2001, we
have spent nearly $10 billion to develop cleaner,
cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy sources
-- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.

"So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative
-- a 22-percent increase in clean-energy research --
at the Department of Energy, to push for breakthroughs
in two vital areas.  To change how we power our homes
and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission
coal-fired plants, revolutionary solar and wind
technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy.

"We must also change how we power our automobiles.  We
will increase our research in better batteries for
hybrid and electric cars, and in pollution-free cars
that run on hydrogen.  We'll also fund additional
research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol,
not just from corn, but from wood chips and stalks, or
switch grass.  Our goal is to make this new kind of
ethanol practical and competitive within six years.

"Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will
help us reach another great goal:  to replace more
than 75 percent of our oil imports from the Middle
East by 2025.  By applying the talent and technology
of America, this country can dramatically improve our
environment, move beyond a petroleum-based economy,
and make our dependence on Middle Eastern oil a thing
of the past."

AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS INITIATIVE:

"And to keep America competitive, one commitment is
necessary above
all:  We must continue to lead the world in human
talent and creativity.  Our greatest advantage in the
world has always been our educated, hardworking,
ambitious people -- and we're going to keep that edge.
 Tonight I announce an American Competitiveness
Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout our
economy, and to give our nation's children a firm
grounding in math and science."

"First, I propose to double the federal commitment to
the most critical basic research programs in the
physical sciences over the next 10 years.  This
funding will support the work of America's most
creative minds as they explore promising areas such as
nanotechnology, supercomputing, and alternative energy
sources.

"Second, I propose to make permanent the research and
development tax credit to encourage bolder
private-sector initiatives in technology.  With more
research in both the public and private sectors, we
will improve our quality of life -- and ensure that
America will lead the world in opportunity and
innovation for decades to come.

"Third, we need to encourage children to take more
math and science, and to make sure those courses are
rigorous enough to compete with other nations.  We've
made a good start in the early grades with the No
Child Left Behind Act, which is raising standards and
lifting test scores across our country.  Tonight I
propose to train 70,000 high school teachers to lead
advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring
30,000 math and science professionals to teach in
classrooms, and give early help to students who
struggle with math, so they have a better chance at
good, high-wage jobs.  If we ensure that America's
children succeed in life, they will ensure that
America succeeds in the world.

"Preparing our nation to compete in the world is a
goal that all of us can share.  I urge you to support
the American Competitiveness Initiative, and together
we will show the world what the American people can
achieve."

The White House prepared two documents that further
describe President Bush's energy and S&T initiatives. 
FYI #17 will provide selections from these briefs.

###############
Richard M. Jones
Media and Government Relations Division
The American Institute of Physics
fyi at aip.org    http://www.aip.org/gov
(301) 209-3094
##END##########

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-- John
John Jacobus, MS
Certified Health Physicist
e-mail:  crispy_bird at yahoo.com

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