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"If we don't develop other sources of energy, if we don't develop the technology to use less energy to make our economy more energy-efficient, then we will always be dependent on foreign countries for our energy needs" — which means, he said, "that every time there's instability in the Middle East … any time that there's concern about a conflict … you're going to feel it at the pump."
Obama called for a strategy that develops "every source of American-made energy."
"Yes, develop as much oil and gas as we can, but also develop wind power and solar power and biofuels," he said. "Make our buildings more fuel-efficient. Make our homes more fuel-efficient. Make our cars and trucks more fuel-efficient so they get more miles for the gallon."
The "best part," he said, is that developing alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency would also boost the economy.
"I don't want to see wind turbines and solar panels and high-tech batteries made in other countries by other workers," he said. "I want to make them here."
He concluded by calling on Congress to end $4 billion in subsidies to the oil industry, and urged audience members to contact their lawmakers.
"Oil companies are making more money right now than they've ever made," he said. "On top of the money they're getting from you at the gas station every time you fill up, they want some of your tax dollars as well."
The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the half-hour address. Rochelle Clarke, a hospitality management student from Laurel, called Obama "inspiring."
"I appreciated his focus on alternative energy, because oil is not going to sustain us forever," she said. "He makes me want to get out and do something."
After the address, Obama and Sen. Ben Cardin surprised lunchtime diners at the Texas Ribs & BBQ in Clinton. Obama ordered baby back ribs, and the pair took pictures with diners.
Cardin said he used the time with Obama to talk about the transportation funding bill now in Congress, and to answer the president's questions about Maryland politics and the legislative session in Annapolis.
matthew.brown@baltsun.com
twitter.com/matthewhaybrown
Text NEWS to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun local news text alerts
Obama called for a strategy that develops "every source of American-made energy."
The "best part," he said, is that developing alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency would also boost the economy.
"I don't want to see wind turbines and solar panels and high-tech batteries made in other countries by other workers," he said. "I want to make them here."
He concluded by calling on Congress to end $4 billion in subsidies to the oil industry, and urged audience members to contact their lawmakers.
"Oil companies are making more money right now than they've ever made," he said. "On top of the money they're getting from you at the gas station every time you fill up, they want some of your tax dollars as well."
The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the half-hour address. Rochelle Clarke, a hospitality management student from Laurel, called Obama "inspiring."
"I appreciated his focus on alternative energy, because oil is not going to sustain us forever," she said. "He makes me want to get out and do something."
After the address, Obama and Sen. Ben Cardin surprised lunchtime diners at the Texas Ribs & BBQ in Clinton. Obama ordered baby back ribs, and the pair took pictures with diners.
Cardin said he used the time with Obama to talk about the transportation funding bill now in Congress, and to answer the president's questions about Maryland politics and the legislative session in Annapolis.
matthew.brown@baltsun.com
twitter.com/matthewhaybrown
Text NEWS to 70701 to get Baltimore Sun local news text alerts
