[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9511 of September 30, 2016

National Energy Action Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The sustainability of our country and our world in the 21st century
rests on our ability to address our shared energy challenges and to
encourage diverse, clean, and efficient energy production. During
National Energy Action Month, we rededicate ourselves to securing a more
prosperous and energy-independent future. As climate change continues to
threaten our planet, we must join together to reduce our carbon
emissions, protect our environment, and leave behind a cleaner and more
resilient world for generations to come.
Today, America is less reliant on foreign oil than at any point in the
previous four decades. To build on this progress, we are implementing
new fuel efficiency standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles that
are projected to significantly reduce diesel consumption. We are also
increasing the energy efficiency of our buildings and appliances and
modernizing our energy infrastructure as we experience a rapid
transformation in the way power is generated and used across our
country.
To ensure our energy security for generations, the United States is
partnering with Canada and Mexico to pursue regional energy security and
combat climate change. Earlier this year at the North American Leaders
Summit, we set an historic goal of achieving 50 percent clean power
generation across our continent by 2025. These efforts will bolster a
transition to clean energy sources that increase economic
competitiveness and strengthen growing industries while supporting
hundreds of thousands of new jobs. Our solar industry is creating jobs
12 times faster than the rest of the economy, and wind generation now
supports tens of thousands of American jobs. Additionally, we are
working to diversify our energy portfolio to include sources of zero
emissions power like nuclear and hydropower; expand our supply of
affordable, reliable, and efficient energy sources; and make it easier
for every American to access cleaner forms of energy.
In response to the devastating consequences of our changing climate, we
are embracing our responsibility to achieve a low-carbon future. To

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do our part, we are on track to reach the 2020 emissions reductions
goals I set when I first took office, and we are pursuing even greater
cuts for 2025. Last year, we joined nearly 200 countries for the
announcement of the most ambitious climate agreement in history, and in
September we formally joined the Paris Agreement with China. As we
embolden the world to take steps that will dramatically reduce global
carbon pollution, we are leading by example--our levels of carbon
pollution remain at historic lows. We must continue demonstrating that a
country can simultaneously strive for a cleaner environment and a
stronger economy.
Despite this progress, there is much work to do to realize the clean
energy economy of tomorrow. Last year, in partnership with 19 other
countries, we launched Mission Innovation to accelerate clean energy
innovation around the world. Through this initiative, 20 countries and
the European Union committed to seeking to double public funding for
clean energy research and development to $30 billion over 5 years. By
doubling our proposed Federal investment in clean energy, we will enable
our brightest scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to create and
advance clean energy technologies that will protect our environment,
increase our energy security, and create more jobs across our country.
Although the difficulties that lie ahead are large, the stakes are too
great for inaction. Our children and grandchildren are relying on our
ability to rise to these challenges and accomplish what is required of
us--including advancing clean, renewable, and independent sources of
energy. Throughout National Energy Action Month, let us pledge to reduce
our carbon footprint and minimize our energy consumption. Let us strive
to continue fighting for a cleaner, stronger, and more secure future for
our fellow Americans and for all of humanity.
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 2016 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 thirtieth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA