President Barack Obama told an audience at Savannah Technical College today that he wants to create jobs by focusing on energy efficiency. He said a country that leads in clean energy will also lead in the new global economy.

The President said that 40 percent of all energy in the U.S. is used in homes. So he is proposing a new program called Home Star. It would give homeowners up to $1500 dollars in rebates when they update their energy appliances. There would be a $3000 rebate if an entire home would be made more energy efficient.

The president called out a group of contractors in the audience.

"These are companies ready to take new customers. All we gotta do is create the incentive to make it happen," he said.

Mr. Obama said moving away from fossil fuels has the potential to create millions of jobs in the South.

He pointed at the recent loan guarantee to build two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogle near Augusta. A move, he says, will create 3000 construction jobs and 800 permanent jobs. Environmental groups are protesting the loan guarantees to help the nuclear industry.

Contributors: Orlando Montoya

Tags: Georgia, economy, jobs, nuclear energy, obama, President Obama, Savannah Technical College, Plant Vogle, Home Star, Rebates