Obama Urges Climate Legislation in Light of Oil Spill

On May 26, President Obama spoke to employees at a solar panel manufacturing plant, announcing he would push to pass energy and climate legislation this year. As he addressed the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Obama noted the dangers of the nation’s dependence on oil and said it “only underscores the necessity of seeking alternative fuel sources.” America’s oil addiction is not only a national security and economic threat, he said, but also sets the nation at a global competitive disadvantage. “We all know the price we pay as a country,” Obama said. “With the increased risks and increased costs, it gives you a sense of where we’re going. We’re not going to be able to sustain this kind of fossil fuel use. This planet can’t sustain it.”