video transcript

STORY: President Barack Obama launched a new plan to tackle climate change on Tuesday. He's using his executive powers to push it through, saying there's no time to wait for Congress or disbelievers to catch up. (SOUNDBITE) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "I don't have much patience for anyone who denies that this challenge is real. We don't have time for a meeting of the 'Flat Earth Society.'" The long-awaited plan was detailed at Georgetown University. With it, Obama is directing the Environmental Protection Agency to make new emissions rules to reduce pollution from power plants. (SOUNDBITE) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "Today, I'm announcing a new national climate action plan and I'm here to enlist your generation's help in keeping the United States of America a global leader in the fight against climate change." Obama also said he would block the proposed Keystone gas pipeline if it boosted greenhouse gas emissions. His attempt during his first term to reduce carbon emissions in a "cap and trade" system was thwarted by Congress. But the President has pledged to make climate change a priority in his second term.