What is true is right now that we don't have all the technology to prevent greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants, but the technology is close and it makes sense for us to make that investment now, not only because it will be good for America but it will also ultimately be good internationally.

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"They are designed to increase our scientific understanding of climate change, to tap the enormous promise of technology in addressing greenhouse gas emissions, and to promote further cooperation on climate change with our partners in the Western Hemisphere and beyond, " he said.

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To understand why, we need a little background about another subject that eluded the Clinton administration's technology czar: The relationship between progress in agricultural practices and products and the release of greenhouse gases.

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Among them: an agreement for the United States to assist China in improving its "clean coal technology" at its growing number of coal-fired power plans, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

CNN: AllPolitics - Progress Expected During U.S.-China Summit

It treats the wastewater more effectively, and doesn't have any of the environmental drawbacks of that technology, such as production of unwanted hydrogen sulfide or possible release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

ENGADGET: Researchers create super-efficient microbial fuel cell, dream of selling excess electricity