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Obama takes first steps on climate
26 January 2009
Barack Obama's pledge today to establish a new energy economy aimed at tackling climate change and creating new jobs "by choosing a future safer for our country, prosperous for our planet, and sustainable" has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The new President today ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to review its refusal to allow California's request to set its own - stricter - vehicle emission and fuel efficiency standards.
Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:
"Barack Obama's first White House press conference will raise hopes that the US President really could be a world leader in tackling climate change."
"Bold and decisive action is urgently needed if we are to avoid a climate catastrophe."
"Hopefully President Obama's intentions will ripple across the Atlantic and galvanise the UK and other EU countries to take more courageous action to boost renewable energy and cut energy waste."
"The new President's indication that California should be allowed to set tougher car fuel efficiency standards is a good first step - but the US motor industry must go further if it is to play its part in developing a low-carbon future."
"At the end of 2009 the international community must reach a global agreement on climate at pivotal UN talks - the United States is critical to the success of these negotiations, and to the long term security of us all."
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Feb 2009
