During the State of the Union, President Bush is also expected to put forward proposals on healthcare, immigration, the economy and global warming. On Monday, a group of leading corporate executives met in Washington to urge the president and Congress to set mandatory caps on greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to stop global warming.

Alain Belda, CEO of Alcoa: “We cannot put this problem on the backs of our children and grandchildren. It is a very significant step that we call on the leaders in Washington, the president and members of the United States Congress to take action now and make sure that the planet’s future is protected for future generations.”

Peter Darbee, CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric: “The U.S. has a unique opportunity and a unique responsibility. Our emissions far eclipse that of any other nation in the world, and so we are undeniably part of the problem. We also have the wealthiest and the most innovative economy, so financially and technologically we are in the best position to help solve the problem.”