To speed innovations in environmental technologies, I propose giving major tax incentives to businesses for the production of clean energy—­and to families for buying energy-saving homes and appliances and the next generation of super-efficient cars when they hit the showroom floor.  I also call on the auto industry to use available technologies to make all new cars more fuel efficient right away.  And on Congress to make more of our clean-energy technologies available to the developing world—­creating cleaner growth abroad and new jobs at home.

The Opportunity and Responsibility of Science and Technology

In the new century, innovations in science and technology will be the key not only to the health of the environment but to miraculous improvements in the quality of our lives and advances in the economy.

Later this year, researchers will complete the first draft of the entire human genome—­the very blueprint of life.  It is important for all Americans to recognize that your tax dollars have fueled this research—­ and that this and other wise investments in science are leading to a revolution in our ability to detect, treat, and prevent disease.

For example, researchers have identified genes that cause Parkinson’s Disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer—­and they are designing precision therapies that will block the harmful effects of these faulty genes for good.  Researchers are already using this new technique to target and destroy cells that cause breast cancer.  Soon, we may be able to use it to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.  Scientists are also working on an artificial retina to help many blind people to see and microchips that would directly stimulate damaged spinal cords and allow people who are now paralyzed to stand up and walk.

Science and engineering innovations are also propelling our remarkable prosperity.  Information technology alone now accounts for a third of our economic growth, with jobs that pay almost 80 percent above the private sector average.  Again, we should keep in mind:  government-funded research brought supercomputers, the Internet, and communications satellites into being.  Soon researchers will bring us devices that can translate foreign languages as fast as you can speak; materials 10 times stronger than steel at a fraction of the weight; and molecular computers the size of a teardrop with the power of today’s fastest supercomputers.

To accelerate the march of discovery across all disciplines of science and technology, my budget includes an unprecedented $3 billion increase in the 21st Century Research Fund, the largest increase in civilian research in a generation.

These new breakthroughs must be used in ways that reflect our most cherished values.  First and foremost, we must safeguard our citizens’ privacy.  Last year, we proposed rules to protect every citizen’s medical records.  This year, we will finalize those rules.  We have also taken the first steps to protect the privacy of bank and credit card statements and other financial records.  Soon I will send legislation to the Congress to finish that job.  We must also act to prevent any genetic discrimination by employers or insurers.