VOA标准英语 Obama Promotes Alternative Energy On Earth Day

President Barack Obama says the United States should depend more on so-called clean forms of energy, like wind and solar, and less on oil. The president promoted his alternative energy plan on an Earth Day visit to the central state of Iowa.
　
President Obama in Newton Iowa, 22 Apr 2009

On a day designated for promoting environmental well-being¹, President Obama said the U.S. should stop being the world's leading importer of oil, and become the leading exporter of clean energy.

"So on this Earth Day, it is time for us to lay a new foundation for economic growth by beginning a new era of energy exploration in America," said President Obama.

Mr. Obama promoted his environmental agenda on a visit to the city of Newton, Iowa. The Maytag appliance factory in Newton closed in 2007, leaving hundreds of people unemployed². But with government help, a new company took over the factory and began making equipment for wind power, putting about 140 people to work.

The president toured the factory and promoted his plans to channel more investments to companies, like the one in Newton, that are involved in producing alternatives to fossil fuels.

Mr. Obama says his energy policy will eventually create millions of jobs in producing clean energy.

The president also says he will meet next week with representatives of the world's major economies to discuss ways to address the energy crisis. They will be in Washington for a forum³ on energy and climate.

"Truth is, the United States has been slow to participate in this kind of a process, working with other nations, but those days are over now," said Mr. Obama. "We are ready to engage, and we are asking other nations to join us in tackling this challenge together."

While Mr. Obama was in Iowa, his administration was showcasing American-made alternative-fuel vehicles, which could be added to the White House fleet. Among them was an electricity-powered van, which might one day be used to deliver the nation's mail.

1 well-being   

n.安康，安乐，幸福

参考例句：

• He always has the well-being of the masses at heart.他总是把群众的疾苦挂在心上。
• My concern for their well-being was misunderstood as interference.我关心他们的幸福，却被误解为多管闲事。

2 unemployed   

adj.失业的，没有工作的；未动用的，闲置的

参考例句：

• There are now over four million unemployed workers in this country.这个国家现有四百万失业人员。
• The unemployed hunger for jobs.失业者渴望得到工作。

3 forum   

n.论坛，讨论会

参考例句：

• They're holding a forum on new ways of teaching history.他们正在举行历史教学讨论会。
• The organisation would provide a forum where problems could be discussed.这个组织将提供一个可以讨论问题的平台。