Home > On TV > Focus Earth > Focus Earth: January 17, 2009: Detroit Auto Show and Bush's Environmental Record

Focus Earth: January 17, 2009: Detroit Auto Show and Bush's Environmental Record

By Team Planet Green
Fri Jan 16, 2009 15:14

Friend's Name:
Email:
Your Name:
Email:
Message:

submit reset

Getty Images

This week, one administration bows out of Washington as another steps in. From the Senate confirmations of Barack Obama's appointees, to the final message from President George W. Bush, Focus Earth has all the inaugural events covered with special analysis on what they mean for the environment.

First, a special look at the Senate confirmations of Barack Obama's "green team." Both Eric Holder, Obama's nominee for attorney general, and Timothy Geithner, who was nominated for the position of treasury secretary, were expected to face scrutiny before the Senate committee. Focus Earth looks at the Senate's reaction to the nominees.

Meanwhile in Detroit, the annual auto show is in full swing, despite economic woes from many manufacturers. The show has not survived unchanged, however. This year, hybrid and high-efficiency vehicles are taking center stage as the auto industry struggles to keep pace with changing consumer demand. Bianna Golodryga reports on the latest developments in green transportation.

As the Obama administration is preparing to enter Washington, George W. Bush and his cabinet are packing up to leave. Bob Woodruff reports on Bush's final message as president and takes a look at his controversial environmental record.

Then, Bob Woodruff sits down with Christi Todd Whitman, former head of the EPA, who stepped down from her post over conflicts with the Bush administration. She discusses her appreciation of Bush's environmental efforts and explains the frustrations she felt as head of the EPA before giving some advice to the incoming administration.

Finally, Yunji DeNies looks at plans for the inauguration and associated celebrations and asks how green the events will be.

Checkout the Planet Green Schedule to see these stories and more on Focus Earth.

Don't miss Detroit Auto Show and Bush's Environmental Record.