Obama Tech! Government Strategies for Technology Development in America

President Barack Obama has presented to the nation his plans for new technology and science. Naturally, this has attracted accolades or anger as supporters and detractors scramble to be the first to proclaim their understanding of how Obama seeks to implement  his strategies to bring the country -- kicking and screaming -- into the 21st century. There are many serious issues to consider and in this space here, I will review, update, and hyperlink to the comments, discussions, and sources that may provide the real answers.

Energy

The Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) received $400 million in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  ARPA-E’s mission is to fund projects that will develop transformational technologies that reduce America’s dependence on foreign energy imports; reduce U.S. energy related emissions (including greenhouse gasses); improve energy efficiency across all sectors of the U.S. economy and ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. Read More.

Next Generation Batteries and Electric Vehicles

48 new advanced battery and electric drive projects received $2.4 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects, selected through a highly competitive process by the Department of Energy, will accelerate the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for batteries and electric drive components as well as the deployment of electric drive vehicles, helping to establish American leadership in creating the next generation of advanced vehicles. Read More

OBAMA Tech on NASA

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON SPACE EXPLORATION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

"Fifty years after the creation of NASA, our goal is no longer just a destination to reach. Our goal is the capacity for people to work and learn and operate and live safely beyond the Earth for extended periods of time, ultimately in ways that are more sustainable and even indefinite. And in fulfilling this task, we will not only extend humanity’s reach in space -- we will strengthen America’s leadership here on Earth."

In my humble opinion, President Obama wants to take a stagnant NASA into a new direction. Let America's corporations take on the task of near earth exploration. Let NASA take on the bigger tasks such as exploring the solar system. More on that very soon. . . .