[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8878--OCT. 1, 2012

Proclamation 8878 of October 1, 2012

National Energy Action Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

A secure energy future is vital to an economy built to last. When we use
American energy to power our homes, businesses, and vehicles, we create
new American jobs, grow new American industries, and safeguard our
national security and our economic potential. As demand for energy
increases worldwide, our Nation must continue to lead the world in a
rapidly evolving energy market by pursuing safe and responsible domestic
energy production, promoting efficiency, and developing clean energy and
renewable fuels.
My Administration is pursuing an all-of-the-above strategy to put energy
independence within our reach and power a sustainable, vibrant economy.
We took bold action to double our use of renewable energy sources like
solar, wind, and geothermal; finalized new standards to nearly double
the fuel efficiency of our Nation's automobiles by 2025; and invested in
energy-saving upgrades in homes, public buildings, and businesses across
our Nation. These programs spur innovation, make American manufacturers
more competitive, and save families money on their energy bills.


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As we lay the foundation for a clean energy economy, we must also take
advantage of the abundant energy resources we have here at home and
reduce our dependence on oil imports. That is why my Administration
continues to open millions of acres for oil and gas exploration. Today,
domestic oil production is at the highest level in nearly a decade,
while oil imports have fallen to the lowest level in nearly 20 years.
Thanks to pioneering new technologies developed right here at home,
America is also now the world's leading producer of natural gas. As
production has increased, it has boosted our manufacturing, dramatically
reduced prices, and created more jobs for the American people. Along
with advances in renewable energy and increased efficiency, our
investments in natural gas can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that
cause climate change.
Moving forward, we will continue to invest in new technologies that put
Americans to work in the jobs of tomorrow--from building advanced wind
turbines and long-lasting batteries to developing cutting-edge clean
coal technologies and next generation biofuels. We will promote growth
and job creation throughout the entire energy sector by further
developing our domestic energy resources and supporting our nuclear
industry. And we will modernize our electric grid, allowing us to better
integrate renewable energy, increase efficiency and reliability, and
empower families to make informed decisions about their energy
consumption.
Finally, we must also harness our greatest natural resource--the
creativity, drive, and entrepreneurial spirit of the American people.
Across our country, scientists and engineers are laying the groundwork
for the next big energy breakthrough, farmers across rural America are
producing homegrown fuels, students are promoting conservation in their
communities, and autoworkers are manufacturing the next generation of
fuel-efficient cars. If we continue to invest in American potential, I
am confident that new plants and factories will dot our landscape and
new energy will power our future.
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 2012 as
National Energy Action Month. I call upon the citizens of the United
States to recognize this month by working together to achieve greater
energy security, a more robust economy, and a healthier environment for
our children.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
seventh.
BARACK OBAMA