Cautious Optimism as Obama Talks Climate Again

In his State of the Union, President Obama once again spoke to climate change.  This is good news, with a dose of caution.

The President implied that he wants to use market-based methods to fight climate change but Congress needs to step up and play ball.  If not, the President said he will use the power of his office, which presumably includes the untapped regulatory power of the Environmental Protection Agency.  

But many are not yet convinced; they need to see more than rhetoric.

"Obama’s inattention to the issue is obviously not the only reason America still lacks an ambitious climate plan. But a disengaged president was one of the many obstacles. On Tuesday night, he showed that he can talk a better game. Now he needs to play," according to the Washington Post.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen what Congress will do.  This flippant response, classic misdirection hidden in a statement that rings true by itself, from Republican Senator Marco Rubio is not helpful or hopeful: "The government can't change the weather."