U.S. President Barack Obama has pledged a major investment in science and technology, and announced what he called "the largest commitment to scientific research and innovation in American history."
The president Monday said his goal is to devote more than three percent of the nation's gross domestic product to research and development. Mr. Obama said the United States will exceed levels achieved at the height of the so-called "Space Race," which included U.S. astronauts landing on the moon in 1969.
Mr. Obama made the remarks at the annual meeting of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington.
The president also said his recovery plan provides incentives to double the nation's capacity to generate renewable energy. The budget includes $150 billion over a 10-year period to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Mr. Obama also said he has set a goal for the United States to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80 percent by the year 2050. Many scientists blame carbon dioxide and other gasses for global warming.
Mr. Obama also announced a renewed commitment to education in math and science, saying students' scores in those subjects will improve over the next decade so they can better compete internationally.
The president said the nation that out-educates the U.S. today will out-compete the U.S. tomorrow.
He also spoke of tax cuts and grants that will make college more affordable.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.