Johnson, a career EPA employee who ascended to the top two years ago, affirmed the president's statement that the nation needs to get off the treadmill of dependence on foreign oil. But he offered few specifics about how that would be done.

The cautious speech was a tepid conclusion to the three-day summit held in downtown Salt Lake City, where governors, researchers, academics, conservationists and utility and industry representatives dug into the potential for a greener America.

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. arranged the summit, which included a natural resources field hearing for the National Governors Association.

In his final remarks, Huntsman promised "to take forward much of what we've learned," including six specific recommendations on fuel efficiency, carbon capture, conservation and new technology funding for Congress to consider.

Dealing with climate change, Huntsman said, "is an imperative, not a choice."

Johnson on Monday said greenhouse gases grew by less than 1 percent in 2005, proving the Bush administration's effort to address global warming "is delivering real results."

Environmental activists quickly jumped on Johnson, calling his statement that a 0.8 percent increase in carbon dioxide and other emissions from 2004 to 2005 shows progress was little more than a "spin."

A separate report from the Energy Department undermined Johnson's claim. The DOE said greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing an average of 1.2 percent since 1990 and that the smaller increase in 2005 was mainly the result of higher energy prices, suppressed demand, lack of growth in some energy-intensive businesses and weather events including Hurricane Katrina.

The EPA report said U.S. sources emitted nearly 8 billion tons of greenhouse gases in 2005. The U.S. Supreme Court on April 2 ruled the EPA didn't offer valid reasons to continue to refuse to regulate greenhouse gas emissions but didn't rule the agency had to do so. Since then, Johnson has said he and his agency are reviewing the ruling.

Johnson on Tuesday said that energy "is on the hearts and minds of our nation and literally across the world." President Bush, he said, has called for new strategies to increase fuel efficiency and to develop alternative and renewable sources of energy.

"By working in collaboration, not confrontation, we are encouraging volunteer renewable programs," Johnson said. One successful result is consumers' purchase of Energy Star-rated appliances, which in 2006 reduced carbon emissions equal to that of 25 million cars, he said.