Environmentalists everywhere were excited at the prospects presented in Barack Obama’s Blueprint for Change and his echoing assurance that yes, we can change not only the economic, but also environmental, state of our country. Of course, everything’s exciting and promising during campaign days; now that Obama’s entering his third month in office, we’re starting to see action behind his words (although some are claiming that two months is more than enough to completely change the way our country works).

The Obama administration’s auto industry plan has been revealed and it not only takes a logical (and tough) look at how car makers must change for financial soundness, but also seems geared to provide incentives for consumers to purchase cars with lower carbon emissions and for the auto industry to put more focus on producing such cars. This is fitting with stance Obama held throughout his campaign on the United States needing stricter fuel efficiency standards and cleaner cars, a goal that requires action from auto makers for its success.

On an international level, the Obama camp has announced a series of meetings among representatives from 16 countries that will focus on climate change, called the Major Economies Meetings on Energy Security and Climate Change. The meetings will be held in Washington in April and Italy in July and hope to serve as a significant step in the direction of an international climate treaty, while also researching joint ventures that increase the supply of clean energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Although the Bush administration also held meetings on the subject, environmentalists like National Wildlife Federation president Larry Schweiger are more optimistic about this round, claiming the current administration seems more honestly focused on finding a long-term, large-scale solution.

Finally, back at home, Obama has enlisted a member of Al Gore’s team to take on environmental issues at the White House, nominating Cathy Zoi as the Energy Department’s assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Since 2007, Zoi held a post as the CEO of the Alliance for Climate Protection (which was established by Al Gore). Prior, Zoi worked in the field of energy measurement technologies and improving energy efficiency worldwide. This will not, however, be the first time Zoi’s spent time working near the Oval Office; she was Chief-of-Staff in the White House Office on Environmental Policy during the Clinton administration.

While it’s easy to analyze the government and wonder why we don’t see more environmental action taking place on a daily basis, it’s encouraging to see that Obama seems to be following through on some of his green promises that were made during his campaign (when the economy was also looking better). In light of current events and his short time in office, this latest batch of environmentally-focused White House news gives us a trademark Obama feeling—hope for what’s to come.

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