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In Penn State visit, Obama stresses energy efficiency, innovation
Friday, February 4, 2011
By Terry Whetstone Staff Writer
STATE COLLEGE - The eyes of the nation were focused on State College yesterday as President Barack Obama visited Rec Hall on the Penn State campus to speak to a crowd estimated at 3,000 about the future of America.
"We need to concentrate on the devastation the recession has caused," he said. "When we're done with this project, America's paychecks will be a little bit bigger."
Obama was in town to present his Energy Innovation Hub plan, which is to improve building energy efficiency in the United States by 50-80 percent.
Funds have created an Energy Innovation Hub at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, which is one of three in the nation to receive federal funding this year. Others are focused on nuclear energy and development of fuel from sunlight and water.
Penn State University is the lead partner in The Greater Philadelphia Innovation Cluster. More than 90 organizations are involved.
"We need to out innovate, out-educate and out-build the rest of the world," the president said. "It means the cutting edge of research and technology."
Obama said we need to cut annual domestic spending.
"I propose we freeze annual domestic spending, which would reduce the deficit by $400 billion over the next decade," he said.
He is proposing all buildings becoming energy efficient during the next decade.
"In America, innovation isn't just how we change our lives, it's how we make a living," he said.
He used the Empire State Building as an example, noting it is becoming energy efficient.
"They will save $4.4 million a year with energy savings," Obama said. "I realize that is a much larger building, but, we can all save."
He said people need an incentive to install energy efficient materials in their buildings, and he said, "Show us the savings and we'll show you the money."
He said his administration isn't just trying to hand out money, but it's offering a challenge.
"Penn State is working on a hub to make America home to the most energy efficient buildings in the world," the president said.
He said homes and businesses consume 40 percent of the energy we use - billions of dollars in energy bills - but the good news is we can change that.
"Making the homes energy efficient is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to save money, combat pollution and create jobs right here in the United States of America," Obama said. "Just how efficient can our businesses be? They may be self-sufficient."
He said the discoveries made at Penn State will lead to more jobs in engineering, manufacturing, construction and installation.
"It's time to stop subsidizing yesterday's energy. It's time to invest in tomorrow's," Obama said to cheers from the crowd.
The president was to arrive at Rec Hall around noon, but he was about 35 minutes late. Those in the waiting crowd entertained themselves by doing the wave and the "We Are ... Penn State" cheer.
Local and state dignitaries were in attendance, including Centre County Commissioner Jon Eich, state Reps. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, and Scott Conklin, D-77 of Philipsburg, state Sen. John Wozniak, D-35 of Johnstown, and U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson, R-5 of Howard.
Penn State President Graham Spanier and Football Coach Joe Paterno were also on hand.
Obama said he has some Steelers blood in his veins, but he believed there may be some Eagles fans in the house, too.
Obama spoke for about 20 minutes, before heading off to shake hands with many in the audience sitting in the first couple of rows. The event was open by invitation only and there were about 1,000 student and faculty tickets available, which many waited outside in the freezing cold to obtain.
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