The United States is the largest economy in the world and one of the largest producers and consumers of energy, so it is reasonable for the global community to expect the United States to lead the charge in the fight against global warming. Thanks to its economic and political advantage on the global stage, the United States is positioned to set powerful precedents for other countries. In the United States the fight against global warming is not only conducted in the public arena, but the private sector also plays an important role by making significant investments in cleaner and more sustainable technologies. One thing is clear: the government is serious about achieving energy independence through the development of reliable and cleaner energy sources that would also help the country significantly reduce its carbon emissions. The most important public agency in the United States leading the battle against global warming is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency uses various tools to raise awareness, fund research and influence energy consumption patterns. First, agency creates rules and standards to influence organizational and individual behaviors. The EPA is now working on carbon pollution standards to regulate power plants, the largest source of carbon pollution in the country. The agency also works closely with the private sector to implement programs that led to the reduction of 345 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2010 alone. Likewise, the agency funds a variety of research activities to better understand the climate change and develop policies that can be effective in combating it. The agency also provides consulting services to state, local, and tribal governments (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Climate change is gaining attention at the highest levels of the US government now, with President Obama personally involved in the fight against global warming. Earlier this year, President Obama reiterated that we must do something about global warming before it's too late. He even instructed the State Department not to approve construction of the XL pipeline until it can be demonstrated that the project will not result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. He said the project's climate impact will need to be understood before deciding whether the project should be allowed to go ahead. In his final term, President Obama's strategy to combat global warming includes three main elements: reducing carbon emissions, preparing the country for the impacts of climate change and leading international efforts against carbon pollution..