President Obama’s Inaugural Speech marked a dramatic change in the President’s demeanor and resolve on key issues.  Will his willingness to take the lead and advocate for sustainable energy, climate change, and immigration reform succeed?  I will keep you posted.  His entire speech is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/01/21/inaugural-address-president-barack-obama

President Obama’s comments on some key issues:

Energy:

“The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and sometimes difficult.  But America cannot resist this transition, we must lead it.  We cannot cede to other nations the technology that will power new jobs and new industries, we must claim its promise.  That’s how we will maintain our economic vitality and our national treasure — our forests and waterways, our crop lands and snow-capped peaks.  That is how we will preserve our planet, commanded to our care by God.  That’s what will lend meaning to the creed our fathers once declared.” (For more analysis see this E&E Daily article: http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/?p=4892)

Climate Change:

“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity.  We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray our children and future generations.  (Applause.)  Some may still deny the overwhelming judgment of science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires and crippling drought and more powerful storms.”  (For more analysis see http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/22/us/politics/climate-change-prominent-in-obamas-inaugural-address.html?ref=science)

Immigration:

“Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity –until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country.”  (For an analysis focused on highly-skilled workers, see http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/278323-obama-makes-call-for-high-skilled-immigration-reform-in-inaugural-address)

 A Nod to Research:

“No single person can train all the math and science teachers we’ll need to equip our children for the future, or build the roads and networks and research labs that will bring new jobs and businesses to our shores.  Now, more than ever, we must do these things together, as one nation and one people.”