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Focus on Focus Earth: The First Hundred Days

By David DeFranza
Fri May 1, 2009 16:07

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Charles Dharapak/AP

Since Franklin Roosevelt's presidency, the first hundred days of a president's term have been seen as an opportunity to enact quick legislation, especially in times of distress. President Barack Obama came into office during the height of a global economic crisis that was accompanied by ever-worsening news of a degrading environment. Though it may not have been as severe as the Great Depression that greeted Roosevelt, there was certainly a need for strong leadership starting from day one.

In terms of the environment, Obama's first hundred days have been productive and largely positive. Many environmentalists feared that the economic crisis would distract the president, providing an excuse to slide on some of the promises he made during the campaign. Fortunately, this was not the case.

The Daily Green found one-hundred things Obama accomplished for the environment in his first hundred days. The list, they added, took little "effort or stretching." The also rounded up seven things that will most directly effect Americans as a whole.

They include:

Home energy tax credits that encourage homeowners to implement efficiency-increasing improvements.

Vehicle tax credits that help consumers purchase a hybrid, plug-in electric, or other eco-friendly vehicle.

The FLOTUS vegetable garden demonstrates a commitment to local and organic food, not to mention healthier lifestyles, by the First Family. Add to this the USDA's People's Garden and the first hundred days produced two powerful examples of responsible landscaping.

Labeling greenhouse gasses dangerous set the stage for federal limits on industrial and auto emissions and was heralded as the first step towards healthier air.

Hopefully, the next hundred—make it several hundred—days bring even more advances towards a cleaner, more environmentally friendly, future.

Find out more about environmental politics and issues in Focus Earth: May 2, 2009: DC Climate Talks and the First Hundred Days.