January 20, 2015

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Energy in the 2015 State of the Union

Tonight President Obama will address a joint session of Congress for the 2015 State of the Union. In 2009, his speech described that renewable energy would "transform our economy, protect our security and save our planet from the ravages of climate change.” By 2014, he highlighted natural gas as as "the bridge fuel that can [...]

By Sheril Kirshenbaum

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Tonight President Obama will address a joint session of Congress for the 2015 State of the Union.

In 2009, his speech described that renewable energy would “transform our economy, protect our security and save our planet from the ravages of climate change." By 2014, he highlighted natural gas as as “the bridge fuel that can power our economy,” but also made clear that "climate change is a fact."

So what can we expect tonight on energy?

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President Obama may make mention of low gas prices for U.S. consumers. (Technically it's not something a President can take credit for, but would certainly be popular). He might also discuss how domestic natural gas continues to boost the economy and create jobs, although he'll be wise to include points on environmental protections and safety. I suspect he won't tackle the controversial Keystone XL pipeline head on, but may make mention of it as a divisive issue.

Personally, I hope he returns to the topic of climate. The nation needs to plan now for big changes ahead. What happens when Miami is underwater? Or when the next large storm hits the Gulf Coast or New York City? Since the scientific community is long past any so-called 'debate,' the policy conversation must shift to adaptation. Of course, I do not expect to hear much about this tonight, but maybe President Obama will surprise us...

And so readers, what energy issues do you predict to feature prominently in the 2015 State of the Union address?

Sheril Kirshenbaum is executive director of Science Debate, a nonpartisan org working to get presidential candidates on record on science policy. She co-directs Michigan State University's Food Literacy and Engagement Poll and hosts the NPR podcast Serving Up Science.

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