Bill Gates, Microsoft Chairman and co-founder, intends on presenting a plan to Congress and the White House on how to change the way Americans consume energy. Gates recently appeared on ABC News to talk about his vision of a clean energy future and why government leadership is so important. He also participated with other business executives in the American Energy Innovation Council's report, "A Business Plan for America's Energy Future."

In the report, Gates recognized that the world's most important challenge is the need for taking immediate and decisive action for clean energy that avoids the negative effects of climate change. The report states that not enough is being spent on basic energy research, and calls for a tripling of research on clean energy development. An excerpt from the report:

"In the defense, health, agriculture, and information technology industries, this country has made a deliberate choice to use intelligent federal investments to unleash profound innovation. As a result, the country leads in all those realms. In energy, however, the United States has failed the grade, and is paying a heavy price for that failure. We are optimistic about the potential for dramatic change in the energy realm. To seize this opportunity, America must put aside partisan interests and make a strong, bold commitment."

Gates believes America can handle this challenge. "I'm optimistic about our ability to meet this challenge, but the longer we delay, the more difficult it will be," said Gates. "If we are to meet 2050 targets of reducing CO2 emissions by 80 percent, we must begin now."