In his speech President Obama pointed out a federal loan guarantee for expansion of plant Vogle as an example of moving away from fossil fuels. (Photo courtsey Nuclear Regulatotry Agency)
The President said that 40 percent of all energy in the U.S. is used in homes. So he is proposing a new program called Home Star. It would give homeowners up to $1500 dollars in rebates when they update their energy appliances. There would be a $3000 rebate if an entire home would be made more energy efficient.
The president called out a group of contractors in the audience.
"These are companies ready to take new customers. All we gotta do is create the incentive to make it happen," he said.
Mr. Obama said moving away from fossil fuels has the potential to create millions of jobs in the South.
He pointed at the recent loan guarantee to build two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogle near Augusta. A move, he says, will create 3000 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs. Environmental groups are protesting the loan guarantees to help the nuclear industry.
Contributors: Orlando Montoya
