Obama touts new energy reforms after House bill victory

June 29, 4:27 PMWhite House ExaminerWamara Mwine

Flanked by Department of Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, President Obama announced administration efforts today to exercise new technology to create jobs and save energy. The statements came today in the East Room following House Democrats victory Friday that cleared a comprehensive climate and energy bill, a 219-212 victory. Obama energy adviser Carol Browner told reporters: "I am confident that comprehensive energy legislation will pass the Senate."

“Thanks to broad coalitions ranging from business to labor; investors to entrepreneurs; Democrats and Republicans from coal states and coastal states; and all who are willing to take on this challenge -- we've come together to achieve more in the past few months to create a new, clean energy economy than we have in decades,” the president said.

Obama said “sustained economic growth” would “reclaim America’s future” and renewable energy would create more jobs. The president said he was pushing for $346 million in economic stimulus money to help improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Republicans claim the president’s push on energy will not be popular. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) said of the House vote: "I think many of us think this is the beginning of the end of their majority. I think it's that far over the top." Republicans say the climate bill is a defining vote of the 111th Congress and hope voters will see it as Democrats exercising an overreaching majority.

White House announces new lighting standards, The Washington Post

 As House Climate Bill Passes, GOP Parties Like It's 1993 - NYTimes.com

 Department of Energy