Obama hails US energy production over imports
Obama hails rise in energy production and greater efficiency as boons for environment, economy
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, waves as they exit Air Force One at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013. Obama traveled to Cleveland to speak on the economy at the Arcelor Mittal steel mill. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
·Associated PressWASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama says improved energy efficiency and higher energy production in the United States are yielding environmental and economic benefits that are helping ensure cleaner air and a more competitive business landscape.
In his weekly Saturday radio and Internet address Obama draws attention to increased U.S. oil extraction, which last month exceeded oil imports for the first time in nearly two decades.
He says that represents, quote, "a tremendous step towards American energy independence."
Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin delivered the Republican address, criticizing the 3-year-old health care law. He says Obama's unmet claims that Americans would be able to keep their insurance plans amounted to, quote, "political fraud."
He calls Obama's acknowledgement that he fumbled the launch of the health care enrollment period a phony apology.
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Online:
Obama's address: http://www.whitehouse.gov
Republican address: http://www.youtube.com/user/gopweeklyaddress
