Standing on the edge of a large solar-power plant, Obama urged the Senate to pass a measure that caps carbon emissions _ and to set aside arguments that it would harm the economy and cost jobs.

"The closer we get to this new energy future, the harder the opposition is going to fight, the more we're going to hear from special interests and lobbyists in Washington whose interests are contrary to the interests of the American people," Obama said.

As he spoke to Florida Power & Light employees, the sun was glinting off acres of the utility's solar panels behind him. "It's a debate between looking backward and looking forward."

The visit coincided with an announcement by the Obama administration that it will invest $3.4 billion in stimulus funds to modernize the nation's energy grid. Some 100 private companies and utilities will receive grants of up to $200 million each to help build a nationwide "smart grid" meant to improve energy delivery and boost the use of renewable energy sources.

Obama administration officials say the projects also will create tens of thousands of new jobs in the near future, while modernizing the way Americans feed their need for energy.

But as Obama made his way to the field _ and then afterward toward his third political fundraiser in two days _ Republican critics complained that the president was taking a public relations tour on behalf of his economic stimulus program that provides the grants.

"He's on what appears to be a PR swing to try to boost up his own popularity to move legislation and policies that the American people don't want, don't need," said Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla.

At Obama's side in Arcadia stood Lewis Hay III, chairman and chief executive of the FPL Group that owns the plant. Though a major political contributor to Sen. John McCain, Obama's Republican opponent this time last year, Hay today was clearly in Obama's corner, at one point calling him the person who has "done more to promote renewable energy than anyone." Hay laughed as Obama joked about opponents of cap-and-trade legislation, particularly when the president cracked that talk of change makes some people nervous.

"People don't like change, and they get nervous about it," Obama said. "Lew and I were just talking about it. He said especially utility executives get nervous about change."

The Arcadia plant is not a recipient of the grants that Obama announced Tuesday, though company officials say they expect to apply for money under another part of the stimulus act later this week.

Still, Obama pointed to the plant as emblematic of the clean energy economy which he hopes to spur, with this program and others to come.

"Building this 21st century infrastructure will help us lay a foundation for lasting growth and prosperity," he said.

Meanwhile, five administration officials appeared before the Senate Environment and Public Works committee Tuesday to urge it to pass climate legislation.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu told the committee that the U.S. has stumbled in the clean energy race and to catch up Congress must enact comprehensive energy legislation that puts the first-ever limits on the gases blamed for global warming.

"The United States ... has fallen behind," said Chu. "But I remain confident that we can make up the ground."

Republicans expressed concern about the cost of the measure, which would create a system for buying and selling energy permits.

"This is something the American people can't tolerate, and I don't think they will," said Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma.

Obama wrapped up a two-day tour of political and policy events in Florida, heading to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., to stump for Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Creigh Deeds.

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(c) 2009, Tribune Co.

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