WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama proposed Monday to ramp up research in clean energy and develop small new nuclear reactors, signaling that climate remains a priority for him despite tough budget times. Obama's 2012 budget, while paring spending on the whole to curb a record deficit, would boost funding for the Energy Department by 12 percent as part of the administration's proposed doubling of science research. But the proposal needs approval from Congress. The Republican Party, which defeated Obama's Democrats in November elections, is calling for deeper cuts in government spending and is largely skeptical about climate change. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said that green innovation was crucial for the United States to compete with other nations and lay “the groundwork for the nation's future prosperity and security.” “To lead the world in clean energy, we must act now. We can't afford not to,” Chu said. The budget would raise funding to $5.4 billion for the Energy Department's science research office, including to develop solar and other renewal energy.
