This week, President Barack Obama announced plans to award nearly $2 billion for new solar plants. He argues that the investment will create thousands of jobs and improve the nation’s commitment to renewable energy.
The two companies awarded funds for the projects are Abengoa Solar and Abound Solar manufacturing. The Obama Administration says the the projects will create roughly 3,600 jobs combined between the two companies.
The president is facing heat for the inability of government leaders to find jobs in a poor economy. The Republicans are taking advantage of this pressure by refusing to support legislation that will create jobs or provide unemployment benefit extensions for millions of out-of-work Americans.
The president’s announcement does provide a positive signal about the nation’s commitment toward utilizing alternative energy sources, given that the BP oil spill has reduced America’s appetite for oil. Our country’s dependence on oil, both foreign and domestic, will be one of the great challenges of the 21st century. Oil companies have been allowed to hold our nation hostage, keeping the country from finding other ways to heat our homes and drive our cars. In fact, the United States is, by far, the greatest consumer of energy in the world, which depletes resources and destroys environments in third world countries. China and India are also emerging as massive energy consumers, setting the stage for a global showdown, which could very likely lead to war within the next 20 – 30 years.
“We’re going to keep competing aggressively to make sure the jobs and industries of the future are taking root right here in America,” Obama said.
