国际英语新闻：Obama vows to fight oil spill, makes case for clean energy

Obama seized the opportunity to make the case for clean energy, saying the oil spill is a painful and powerful reminder that "time to embrace a clean energy future is now."

He said although people have known for decades the days of cheap and easily accessible oil were numbered, but have failed to end the country's "addiction to fossil fuels."

He blamed the inaction on oil industry lobbyists, and "a lack of political courage and candor," as the United States has reached the point where it can't afford not to change how it produces and uses energy.

Obama touted that the transition to clean energy has the "potential to grow our economy and create millions of good, middle-class jobs."

He praised a comprehensive energy and climate bill passed last year by the House of Representatives, saying it's a bill that "makes clean energy the profitable kind of energy for America's businesses."

However, the Senate version of the bill has yet to be passed, and commentators doubt that it will ever get passed this year, as many lawmakers face battles during the mid-term elections in November.