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Three Green Things to Look For In Tonight’s State of the Union

President Obama gives his first State of the Union address tonight, and considering the greener parts of his agenda, we’re expecting to hear about: Green Jobs: Since Obama’s speech is widely reported to be focused on creating jobs, look for some of those jobs to be green.  Jobs in green energy, one of the president’s...

President Obama gives his first State of the Union address tonight, and considering the greener parts of his agenda, we’re expecting to hear about:

  1. Green Jobs: Since Obama’s speech is widely reported to be focused on creating jobs, look for some of those jobs to be green.  Jobs in green energy, one of the president’s major agenda items, and the potential “cash for caulkers” program (to increase home energy efficiency) are some examples.  (Related: “Green Jobs Serve Many Ends”)
  2. High-speed Rail: Closely related to the jobs issue will be the announcement of an $8 billion, multi-state, high-speed rail program after the State of the Union address (although it might get a shout-out then too).  The funds are supposed to come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Jobs will be created, people will get where they’re going faster and greener–everybody’s happy.
  3. Climate Legislation:  While the House has passed a climate bill, the Senate version has stalled.  Obama could give an update on its status, prod his fellow Democrats–or just mention it as something that will get done eventually. (Related: “Copenhagen Climate Conference: What You Need to Know”)

–James Robertson

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Meet the Author

Author Photo David Max Braun
More than forty years in U.S., UK, and South African media gives David Max Braun global perspective and experience across multiple storytelling platforms. His coverage of science, nature, politics, and technology has been published/broadcast by the BBC, CNN, NPR, AP, UPI, National Geographic, TechWeb, De Telegraaf, Travel World, and Argus South African Newspapers. He has published two books and won several journalism awards. In his 22-year career at National Geographic he was VP and editor in chief of National Geographic Digital Media, and the founding editor of the National Geographic Society blog, hosting a global discussion on issues resonating with the Society's mission and initiatives. He also directed the Society side of the Fulbright-National Geographic Digital Storytelling Fellowship, awarded to Americans seeking the opportunity to spend nine months abroad, engaging local communities and sharing stories from the field with a global audience. A regular expert on National Geographic Expeditions, David also lectures on storytelling for impact. He has 120,000 followers on social media: Facebook  Twitter  LinkedIn