The White House declared that the moves were part of a plan to decrease dependence on foreign oil and create a clean-energy economy that will support many new jobs.
Administration officials said the new moves were based on sound scientific research that now gives a green light for coal-based electricity and corn-based fuel.
President Barack Obama told a bipartisan group of governors that he was following a "non-ideological approach" to energy that included clean energy and efficiency but also offshore drilling for oil and gas, new nuclear power plants and new technology that would allow for continued use of coal without emissions of heat-trapping gases.
Emphasis on all of those forms of energy seemed aimed at pulling in support for a broader measure to limit greenhouse gas emissions and gradually raise prices on fossil fuels.
2 popular goalsObama also told the governors that his "clean energy agenda" would advance two hugely popular goals — reduced dependence on foreign oil and more jobs.
"I happen to believe that climate change is one of the reasons why we've got to pursue a clean energy agenda, but it's not the only reason," Obama said.
He made the remarks in a meeting with 11 governors: Republicans Jim Douglas of Vermont, Bob Riley of Alabama and Mike Rounds of South Dakota; and Democrats Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Steve Beshear of Kentucky, Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming, Brian Schweitzer of Montana, John Baldacci of Maine, Phil Bredesen of Tennessee, Christine Gregoire of Washington and Ted Strickland of Ohio.
Washington Report: State of the UnionObama calls for bank limits
