[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8431--OCT. 2, 2009

Proclamation 8431 of October 2, 2009
National Energy Awareness Month, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

A more prosperous future for our Nation's economy means making
investments in energy efficiency and clean energy today. Well-funded
energy research and development will not only help protect our
environment and support our communities, but it will also address
concerns of global competitiveness and national security. Innovation in
energy technology will decrease our oil use, strengthen our economy, and
reduce the dangerous pollution that causes climate change.
As American scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs bring new and
improved energy technologies to homes and businesses in this country and
around the world, they will be showing American leadership and

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vision while also making clean energy the profitable kind of energy.
During National Energy Awareness Month, we recognize the contributions
of individuals, organizations, and companies that are committed to
advancing energy innovation and efficiency, and we promote the
importance of a clean energy economy to our Nation.
The Federal Government is the largest consumer of energy in the United
States, and my Administration is committed to leading by example in the
use of clean energy and increased energy efficiency. Not only will we
lead through our performance, we will also leverage our ability to be
the kind of customer that can help turn an idea into a great American
enterprise. Through State and local grants, increased funding for
weatherization programs, job training programs, and policies to support
clean energy businesses, we are ushering in a new era of green energy
that will benefit our economic recovery, our security, and our long-term
prosperity.
We face a turning point in our Nation's energy policy. We can either
remain the world's leading importer of oil, or we can become the world's
leading exporter of clean energy technology. We can allow climate change
to wreak unnatural havoc, or we can create jobs deploying low-carbon
technologies to prevent its worst effects.
Throughout our history, Americans have successfully confronted
challenges that have tested our determination and our capacity to
change. If we are to advance energy and climate security, we must focus
on energy efficiency, promote sustainable industries, accelerate job
training and job creation in these areas, and set effective and
achievable standards for the generation and use of clean energy. As a
Nation, we will lead by innovating, adapting to the global marketplace,
and investing in the kind of sustainable future we want for the
generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009 as
National Energy Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to mark this month by making clean energy choices that can both
rebuild our economy and make it more sustainable.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA