New York. The topic of climate change made its debut in Georg W Bush's annual State of the Union address. However , critics are dissappointed in that he failed to raise the topic of a possible mandatory cap on greenhouse gas emissions that is so badly needed for the largest emitters on the planet.

He did howver punt biofuels as being the solution to the US dependence on fossil fuels and the "terrorists" upon whom the USA relies on for their supply. He also mentioned that technology would solve any issues that climate change presented.

On the topic of biodfuel's he has set a target of 35 billion gallons fo alternative fuels by 2017, 5 times the current target of 7.5 billion gallons by 2012.

Bush's proposal would expand the RFS to become an 'Alternative Fuels Standard', covering corn ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, methanol, butanol, hydrogen and other alternative fuels.The president also called for greater use of clean coal technology, solar and wind energy, and nuclear power. His proposals must be incorporated into legislation by Congress.

Environmental groups criticised the president for not seeking GHG caps. "Ominously, President Bush was silent on America's need for a mandatory limit on greenhouse gases," said the Natural Resources Defence Council. Environmental Defense said he is "missing a huge opportunity" to take "effective global warming action".