SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys), the Chair of the Assembly’s Utilities and Commerce Committee, today offered the following statement in response to the energy goals outlined in President George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address this evening:

“On the whole, the President’s remarks tonight were a step in the right direction, but they’re just the tip of the ice berg as far as what needs to be done.

“Say what you will about his shortcomings – and there are many – he does deserve some credit for finally stepping up to the plate and embracing the Democratic energy efficiency/renewable energy agenda that we in the California Legislature brought forward last year.

“A lot of what the President said tonight may be old news to us, there is some good in it nonetheless. Let’s face it – nothing but good can come from reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil. By investing in alternative fuels, we can protect our environment by reducing levels of carbon monoxide and other toxic air pollutants. Some alternative fuels can even be produced in the U.S., which has the potential to add to our economy while simultaneously reducing our importation of oil.

“And while the President’s plan to reduce American gas usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years and promote more fuel-efficient vehicles are laudable ideas, he should be throwing his weight behind legislation passed overwhelmingly by the House of Representatives last week which would rescind $14 billion in tax breaks and subsidies for oil drillers and reserve the money to develop alternative energy projects and conservation technologies.

“The Bush Administration’s plan seems to mean well, and at least they’re finally acknowledging that a problem exists, but we need a much more fast-acting plan. Global climate change represents a real and growing threat to future generations and the time for action is now. Changes must be made to the way we’ve been living and doing business in this country.

“Global climate change threatens our air quality, water supply, public health, power grid reliability, and some of our largest industries: agriculture, forestry, skiing, as well as tourism – not to mention our very survival as a species.

"I’m certain we’ll all be watching to make sure the President's words tonight are backed up with actions.”