Editorial: President's talk good; more action will be better

Thursday, February 23, 2006

The Appleton Post Crescent editorialized on President Bush's energy talk during a tour of the state:

President Bush came to Wisconsin on Monday to pitch his commitment to developing alternative energy sources. And he made a good pitch, but now he needs to put his administration's policies — and our tax dollars — where his mouth is.

Bush was in Milwaukee, where he visited Johnson Controls, an auto-parts supplier that has a new hybrid battery lab. The lab makes lithium-ion batteries for hybrid cars, which are smaller than the current batteries.

He also talked about "some amazing breakthroughs" on alternative energy that are around the corner. And, as part of a nationwide tour to discuss energy issues, the president is touting biofuels and cleaner electric power sources.

But President Bush would also be doing the nation a service by pushing for better fuel-efficiency standards for vehicles. And he could lobby against a tax break that goes to small businesses that buy the biggest sports-utility vehicles.

What the president has had to say on the need to develop new energy sources is good news. But he also needs to follow up his words with action that proves his commitment.