【标准VOA】2008-04-20
Bush Sets New Targets for Curbing Growth in Gas Emissions (1/2)
President Bush says the United States is already on a path to reduce the growth of greenhouse gases by 2012. He says it is time to set an even more ambitious target.
"We have shown that we can slow emissions growth. Today I am announcing a new national goal: to stop the growth of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025."
He says the goal can be met through a mix of incentives and development of new, cleaner energy technology. He says power plants must lead the way.
In a speech from the White House, the president did not offer a detailed formula to cut dangerous emissions, which scientists say trap heat from the sun leading to gradually rising temperatures on Earth. He said a specific plan of action to meet the new targets will need to be worked out in consultation with the U.S. Congress and private industry.
Negotiations with U.S. lawmakers are likely to be tough. Congress is leaning toward mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions, an approach the president rejects.
White House officials defend the decision to revise the administration's climate change policy with only eight months to go in Mr. Bush's term.
