White House Policies Reflect Strong Commitment to Environment
President George W Bush said his
policies have encouraged cooperative conservation, innovation, and new
technologies, marking Earth Day 2007. The White House compiled a list of what President Bush calls a strong environmental record -- better than those created by presidents before him.
The president's efforts have cleaned-up air pollution, "our water is purer, our natural resources are better protected, and we are taking positive steps to confront the important challenge of climate change," President Bush said.
"Millions more Americans today are drinking cleaner, safer water than before the president took office," according to the White House.
Using examples in celebration of Earth Day, 22 April 2007, the White House concluded that since President Bush took office in January 2001 the level of air pollution decreased by more than 10 percent, and the administration adopted the Clean Air Nonroad Diesel Rule and the Clean Air Interstate Rule.
The Clean Air Interstate and Clean Air Mercury Rules challenge the power plants in the eastern part of the United States to cut emissions of sulfur dioxide and mercury by nearly 70 percent and nitrogen oxides by nearly 60 percent from 2003 levels, producing significant improvements to air quality, human health, and natural resources.
Some 2.5 million acres of wetlands have been cleared of hazardous fuels as well.
The White House is looking to individual donors, foundations, and the private sector to help support national parks by contributing $100 million annually, which the president said he'd match in funds for the fiscal 2008 budget.
President Bush signed into law a provision that significantly expanded federal tax incentives for conservation-related donations made in 2006 and 2007. The incentives promote voluntary land conservation and provide an economic benefit for family farmers and ranchers. The president's 2008 budget proposes to make these tax incentives permanent.
The President's 2008 parks budget totals $2.4 billion, which is the largest so far for park operations and includes the highest increase ever in park operations funding the White House contends. Since taking office, the president has increased park operational spending by more than 40 percent or $584 million.
The administration's climate change policy is science-based the White House reported while encouraging research breakthroughs to reduce greenhouse gas intensity 18 percent by 2012. The Energy Information Agency found greenhouse gas emissions increased 0.6 percent between years 2004 and 2005, down from a 1 percent annual increase on average, and greenhouse gas intensity decreased 2.5 percent.
Looking ahead, the president vowed to reduce gasoline usage by 20 percent by 2017 by reforming fuel economy standards on automobiles, and harnessing the power of technology to increase the use of alternative fuels.
"Reaching this goal will help address climate change concerns by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from cars, light trucks, and SUVs," the president said.
Since 2001, the president said he had requested $35 billion for climate-related science, technology, observations, international assistance, and incentive programs. Between 2003 and 2006, the president committed nearly $3 billion annually to climate change technology research and deployment programs.
Domestic initiatives launched were meant to develop new technologies through voluntary, incentive-based, and mandatory programs, including Climate VISION and Climate Leaders, SmartWay Transportation Program, and the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative.
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