President Bush outlined two robust science and technology programs
in last night's State of the Union Address. After first noting concern
about economic competition from countries such as India and China, the
President outlined two S&T initiatives. Selections from his address
follow:
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:
"The American economy is preeminent, but we cannot afford to be
complacent. In a dynamic world economy, we are seeing new competitors,
like China and India, and this creates uncertainty, which makes it easier
to feed people's fears."
"Keeping America competitive begins with keeping our economy growing."
ADVANCED ENERGY INITIATIVE:
"Keeping America competitive requires affordable energy. And here
we have a serious problem: America is addicted to oil, which is often
imported from unstable parts of the world. The best way to break this
addiction is through technology. Since 2001, we have spent nearly $10
billion to develop cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable alternative energy
sources -- and we are on the threshold of incredible advances.
"So tonight, I announce the Advanced Energy Initiative -- a 22-percent
increase in clean-energy research -- at the Department of Energy, to
push for breakthroughs in two vital areas. To change how we power our
homes and offices, we will invest more in zero-emission coal-fired plants,
revolutionary solar and wind technologies, and clean, safe nuclear energy.
"We must also change how we power our automobiles. We will increase
our research in better batteries for hybrid and electric cars, and in
pollution-free cars that run on hydrogen. We'll also fund additional
research in cutting-edge methods of producing ethanol, not just from
corn, but from wood chips and stalks, or switch grass. Our goal is to
make this new kind of ethanol practical and competitive within six years.
"Breakthroughs on this and other new technologies will help us
reach another great goal: to replace more than 75 percent of our oil
imports from the Middle East by 2025. By applying the talent and technology
of America, this country can dramatically improve our environment, move
beyond a petroleum-based economy, and make our dependence on Middle
Eastern oil a thing of the past."
AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS INITIATIVE:
"And to keep America competitive, one commitment is necessary
above all: We must continue to lead the world in human talent and creativity.
Our greatest advantage in the world has always been our educated, hardworking,
ambitious people -- and we're going to keep that edge. Tonight I announce
an American Competitiveness Initiative, to encourage innovation throughout
our economy, and to give our nation's children a firm grounding in math
and science."
"First, I propose to double the federal commitment to the most
critical basic research programs in the physical sciences over the next
10 years. This funding will support the work of America's most creative
minds as they explore promising areas such as nanotechnology, supercomputing,
and alternative energy sources.
"Second, I propose to make permanent the research and development
tax credit to encourage bolder private-sector initiatives in technology.
With more research in both the public and private sectors, we will improve
our quality of life -- and ensure that America will lead the world in
opportunity and innovation for decades to come.
"Third, we need to encourage children to take more math and science,
and to make sure those courses are rigorous enough to compete with other
nations. We've made a good start in the early grades with the No Child
Left Behind Act, which is raising standards and lifting test scores
across our country. Tonight I propose to train 70,000 high school teachers
to lead advanced-placement courses in math and science, bring 30,000
math and science professionals to teach in classrooms, and give early
help to students who struggle with math, so they have a better chance
at good, high-wage jobs. If we ensure that America's children succeed
in life, they will ensure that America succeeds in the world.
"Preparing our nation to compete in the world is a goal that all
of us can share. I urge you to support the American Competitiveness
Initiative, and together we will show the world what the American people
can achieve."
The White House prepared two documents that further describe President
Bush's energy and S&T initiatives. FYI #17 will provide selections
from these briefs.
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