Energy

Energy Policy
According to Obama “ America is addicted to oil without following a real plan for energy independence is like admitting alcoholism and then skipping out on the twelve-step program.” Obama pointed that he will attempt to reduce oil consumption by 7.64 million barrels a day by 2025 from current levels. Obama co-authored the Fuel Economy Reform Act with Biden, among other senators. The act, which has not been passed yet, would make all automobiles manufactured for 2012 meet the fuel economy standard of 27.5 miles per gallon.
Obama, whose home state of Illinois has a large coal-mining industry, has also said that he supports tax breaks and loan guarantees for users of clean energy sources like ethanol and blended fuel E85. More controversially, Obama supports the coal-to-liquid (CTL) fuel legislation under consideration in the Senate and the House, even though some experts say CTLs might cause even more carbon dioxide pollution than gasoline. He explained his support for CTLs, saying they “will create jobs and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.” Obama broke ranks from many of his fellow Democratic senators voting for the 2005 Energy Policy Act. he believes that a “strong carbon cap” (Grist) is better than a freeze on development on a particular type of energy.
Obama did not attend the vote on the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007. That bill passed. At a debate on January 15, 2008, Obama said he would support more nuclear power if it could be made cost-efficient and safe, and the waste stored effectively. He noted, if that can be done, "then we should pursue it because what we don't want is to produce more greenhouse gases."
Obama has said Americans will have to change their behavior (AFP) to reduce energy consumption. "We can't drive our SUVs and eat as much as we want and keep our homes on 72 degrees at all times ... and then just expect that other countries are going to say okay," Obama said at a May 2008 campaign rally in Oregon.
Obama says he would invest $150 billion over 10 years (PDF) toward new alternative energy technology, and to "accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid." Obama's energy plan can be viewed here.