U.S. President George W. Bush on had called for the finalization of an international deal aimed at cutting global-warming greenhouse gases. During his final State of the Union address, Bush pushed the American initiative which stresses the use of nuclear power and technology to trap emissions from coal plants that critics fear will undermine United Nations (U.N.)-led efforts to fight climate change. During his speech to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, Bush said that the proposed international agreement which “has the potential to slow, stop, and eventually reverse the growth of greenhouse gases… will be effective only if it includes commitments by every major economy and gives none a free ride.” During a speech that left many lawmakers divided against partisan lines, Bush's comments on the strict international efforts against climate change drew thunderous applause from the whole crowd. Bush also thanked U.S. Congressional lawmakers for responding to his requests last year to pass laws to cut oil consumption over the next decade and urged them now to “fund new technologies that can generate coal power by capturing carbon emissions.” He also reiterated the strategic importance of the United States' decreased reliance on foreign oil for the nation's security. “To build a future of energy security, we must trust in the creative genius of American researchers and entrepreneurs and empower them to pioneer a new generation of clean energy technology,” he said. Bush called for increased use of “renewable power and emissions-free nuclear power,” while also urging investments in advanced battery technology and renewable fuels for cars and trucks in the future. Bush's comments came after the White House last month voiced “serious concerns” about a deal reached at the U.N. climate conference in Bali, emphasizing the need for major developing countries to be included in greenhouse gas emissions targets. “Let us [the United States] create a new international clean technology fund, which will help developing nations like India and China make greater use of clean energy sources,” he said. Amidst fear that the United States would be the sole nation fighting against new emissions goals for developed countries, the White House renewed its call for emissions targets for major countries like China and India. The White House on Friday announced its plans for a meeting in Hawaii starting Wednesday that would address the United States' agenda on climate change.
