Bush State of Union to stress energy security

Focus expected on ethanol, cleaner coal, hybrid cars and nuclear power

WASHINGTON – A year after warning America of its addiction to oil, President Bush is expected to renew concerns about energy security in his State of the Union address. But will the rhetoric be followed by action? Up to now, the record has been mixed.

Aides hint of a major pronouncement on energy in the speech before Congress and the nation Tuesday night. Yet the president is expected to take a predictable path, urging expanded use of ethanol in gasoline, more research into cleaner burning coal and on gas-electric “hybrid” cars, and greater nuclear energy.

He may tweak his voluntary program on climate change. Aides, however, say the president remains opposed to mandatory cuts in carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping “greenhouse” gases as has been proposed in Congress.

A year ago, Bush declared “America is addicted to oil” and he set a goal of replacing three-fourths of today’s oil imports from the Middle East by 2025. He pledged to press for alternatives to oil and for more efficient use of energy.

AP