Energy, Climate Change,
and Our Environment

The President has taken unprecedented action to build the foundation for a clean energy economy, tackle the issue of climate change, and protect our environment.

Energy and Environment Latest News

  • Administration Officials Travel to the Gulf Coast

    Posted by Nancy Sutley on August 25, 2010 at 6:07 PM EST

    This morning, I had the opportunity to appear before the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling to discuss the CEQ report on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures for environmental reviews by the former Minerals Management Service (MMS).  President Obama established the Commission to examine the relevant facts and circumstances concerning the root causes of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and to develop options to guard against, and mitigate the impact of, any oil spills associated with offshore drilling in the future.

    Last week, I joined EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco, and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar in Louisiana to view firsthand relief work following the Deepwater oil spill, assess the Federal response efforts and discuss long-term Gulf Coast restoration and recovery.

    Gulf Coast Sutley

    Administrator Lubchenco, Chair Sutley, Secretary Salazar, and Administrator Jackson visit the Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana August 18, 2010. (by Tami Heilemann)

    We began our trip at the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Steering Committee Meeting.  The BP oil spill is another blow to the already fragile ecology of the Gulf Coast, and we are doing everything in our power to contain the damage from this disaster and get the people of the Gulf the help they need. 

    Following the meeting we traveled to Venice, LA, to view some of the environmental cleanup progress so far.  We took a boat tour of the Delta National Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding areas affected by the spill, saw marsh restoration projects and were briefed on the recovery efforts.  This refuge comprises almost 50,000 acres of marshlands and open water and provides refuge for fish, waterfowl and other wildlife, providing opportunities for hunting, fishing, and recreational activities.

    We are committed to doing everything in our power to protect these natural resources and rebuild what has been harmed, both in response to this environmental disaster, and as part of our pre-existing, long-term commitment to ensuring the health and viability of the rich and beautiful ecosystems of the Gulf Coast. 

    Nancy Sutley is the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality

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  • On the Road from Recovery to Revitalization

    Posted by Secretary Shaun Donovan on August 25, 2010 at 3:39 PM EST

    Five years ago, one of the most destructive natural disasters in our nation’s history hit the Gulf Coast.   When they hit the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita took thousands of lives, displaced millions of residents, wiped out hundreds of square miles of coastal land, and inflicted major damage to nearly 300,000 homes.

     A half-decade later, Gulf Coast residents are still trying to pick up the pieces.  Since taking office in January 2009, the Obama Administration has been working hard to ensure residents are given the tools they need to recover from the hurricanes and rebuild their lives and communities.  As a result, $2.43 billion in public assistance funds for recovery that had been stalled for years has been obligated since the beginning of the Administration, with President Obama’s Recovery Act providing billions more.

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  • Hurricane Katrina: Five Years of Remembering & Rebuilding

    Posted by Chris Lu on August 25, 2010 at 11:37 AM EST

    This weekend marks the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and provides an opportunity to remember what was lost, celebrate what has been regained, and restate our commitment to the Gulf region and to all those still working to rebuild lives and communities.  The Obama Administration remains deeply committed to serving the needs of Gulf Coast residents.  Since taking office, President Obama has made it clear that he will stand with the people in Gulf through this restoration process and on Sunday, the President and several members of the Cabinet will travel to New Orleans as a continued demonstration of that support (you can watch the event live on Sunday). 

    The storm and its tragic aftermath took more than a thousand lives, displaced more than a million residents, inflicted major damage to nearly 300,000 homes, and wiped out hundreds of square miles of coastal land.  Since the hurricanes hit, the people of the Gulf Coast have never stopped working to rebuild their communities, but their resilience and determination were sometimes challenged by unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles.   Since taking office, the Administration has eliminated bureaucratic red tape that has delayed assistance, including obligating nearly $2.42 billion in Public Assistance funds for recovery in Louisiana and Mississippi that had been stalled for years, and supported the Federal agencies and state and local partners who continue to provide assistance to the region.  President Obama has also worked to improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery nationwide, so that the Gulf Coast and all other regions of the country will be more resilient and better prepared in the face of future disasters.

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  • 31,000 Homes Weatherized in June

    Posted by Cathy Zoi on August 23, 2010 at 10:53 AM EST

    Ed. Note: Cross posted from the Energy Blog.

    One of the best and most exciting parts of my job is helping make homes and businesses more efficient. Why? The places where we live and work consume 40% of the energy we use in the U.S. Through tune-ups to existing homes or new construction, doing more while using less energy is key to improving our buildings and energy future.

    Last week, we announced that during the month of June, more than 31,000 low-income homes nationwide underwent retrofits to use less energy. This month represents the largest number of homes ever upgraded – or “weatherized” – in a single month. Through the Recovery Act, more than 80,000 homes will be weatherized across the country this summer. By March 2012, that total will grow to nearly 600,000 homes – each with upgrades like better furnaces, insulation, and caulking. They will use less energy, perform better, and save homeowners money.

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  • Reducing Energy Costs while Creating Green Jobs for Americans

    Posted by Secretary Shaun Donovan on August 20, 2010 at 4:14 PM EST

    The Recovery Act is making a long-term impact on American families and communities by reducing energy costs, creating green jobs and improving the quality of life for people across the country.  That’s why on Thursday, I was proud to announce a major Recovery Act milestone for HUD and the Administration. Through HUD’s Green Retrofit Program for Multifamily Housing, which the Recovery Act created for the first time, we’ve been able to award more than $100 million to 100 affordable housing developments around the country to complete energy efficient renovations, and HUD will continue to issue the awards from now through September 30, 2010. 

    The 100 affordable housing developments receiving HUD funding include over 8,000 homes, and HUD anticipates that the awards will allow tenants will save over $250 each on utility bills annually.

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  • West Wing Week: Turkey Turkey and a Jammer

    Posted by Arun Chaudhary on August 19, 2010 at 11:00 PM EST

    Thanks for checking out the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, travel with the First Family to Panama City Beach, Florida for a weekend of swimming, mini-golf, and meeting with local business owners.  Next up, the President hits the road travelling to Milwaukee, Seattle and Columbus to talk to business owners and families about the economy. 

    Find more video, photos, and information on the events featured in this episode below:

    Saturday, August 15, 2010

    Monday, August 16, 2010

    Tuesday, August 17, 2010

    Wednesday, August 18, 2010

     Arun Chaudhary is the official White House videographer

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