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President Marks Earth Day

U.S. President George W. Bush promoted futuristic hydrogen fuel technology on Earth Day 2006, saying it was not only as good for the environment, but as a way to keep Americans away from an increasingly costly gas pump. However, while the Bush Administration is talking about high-tech answers to America`s dependence on foreign oil, officials admit they have no short-term fix for rising prices.

President Bush spent last Saturday morning on a bike ride near his Napa Valley resort, and visited the California Fuel Cell Partnership in West Sacramento for a tour and gave a speech on his energy plan. Bush has already met with Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during his a four-day trip to California, with a stop in Las Vegas.

On rising energy costs, straining more than a few Americans` wallets, Bush said "I know the folks here are suffering at the gas pump. Rising gasoline prices is like a tax, particularly on the working people and the small business people. If we find any price gouging, it will be dealt with firmly." Not too many people put much faith in the President`s words, however, as his known business ties to oil companies that are reaping benefits from gouging make hollow for many such pledges.