Obama: US poised to control own energy future

WASHINGTON - US President Barack Obama touted Saturday the progress made by his administration in energy production and saving, saying that with reduced oil imports, the country is "poised to control our own energy future".

"Shortly after I took office, we invested in new American technologies to reverse our dependence on foreign oil and double our wind and solar power. And today, we generate more renewable energy than ever -- with tens of thousands of good, American jobs to show for it," Obama said in his weekly radio and Internet address.

"We produce more natural gas than anyone -- and nearly everyone's energy bill is lower because of it," he said, adding that, for the first time in nearly two decades, the US now produces more oil than it imports.

The president explained that the US has reached this "milestone" not only because it produces more energy, but because it is also wasting less -- citing examples such as setting new fuel standards for cars and trucks to save gas, and initiatives to upgrade buildings to save energy.

Between increased clean energy and less wasted energy, US emissions of dangerous carbon pollution are actually falling, Obama said, adding: "That's good news for anyone who cares about the world we leave to our kids."

He pointed out that meanwhile, the US economy keeps growing, with 7.8 million new jobs created in the past 44 months.

"More good jobs. Cheaper and cleaner sources of energy. A secure energy future. Thanks to the grit and resilience of American businesses and the American people, that's where we're heading," he said.