Environment & Energy

Candidates: Environment & Energy
John Pham

Davis (DE) - The environment has been a hot topic in the United States for quite some time now. The outcome of the 2008 presidential election could very well have a big impact on a wide range of environmental issues, from global warming to alternative energy. In this day and age, you have to agree that protecting the environment will be a key responsibility of our new president.

The following is just some of the ideas that these candidates are proposing to protect the environment and ways to come up with alternative energy.


The Democrats

Hillary Clinton

“A clean energy agenda is a jobs agenda. We have to take that message and drive it home day after day.” Hillary Clinton

What exactly is she saying? She wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from the 1990 levels by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of global warming. She wants to reduce reliance on foreign oil by cutting oil imports by two-thirds from 2030 projected levels. By decreasing oil imports, she looks forward to using alternative energies by spending $50 billion, called the “Strategic Energy Fund”, for research and development for basic energy. Knowing that transportation accounts for 70 percent of consumed oil in the U.S., she plans to increase fuel efficiency standards to 55 miles per gallon by 2030.

Barack Obama

“Well, I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation.” Barack Obama

Obama plans to reduce 80 percent of carbon emission by 2050 through implementing a market based cap-and-trade system. His plan also consists of investing $150 billion over a 10 year period to advance the next generation of alternative energies like biofuels, hybrids, and low emission coal plants. In addition, Obama plans to focus on research and development of clean energy products by doubling its funding. But first, he wants to decrease our dependency on foreign oil by reducing oil imports by 35 percent by 2030.

John Edwards

"Our generation must be the one that says, 'we must halt global warming.” “If we don't act now, it will be too late.” John Edwards

To “halt global warming” Edwards, wants to implement the cap-and-trade system to help lower greenhouse gases. He plans to start the system in 2010 and reduce gases by 15 percent 2020. He will not only help this country, but other countries with their pollution problems by sharing technology. Edwards plans on creating a “New Energy Economy Fund” of $10 billion that will help support research and development of new energy technology.

The Republicans

Rudy Giuliani

“Every potential solution must be pursued – from nuclear power to increased energy exploration to more aggressive investment in alternative energy sources. I believe that America can achieve energy independence through a national strategy that emphasizes diversification, innovation, and conservation.” Rudy Giuliani

Giuliani’s main goal is to expand the use of bio-fuels, renewable energy, nuclear power, clean coal and natural gas. He wants to utilize all of these methods to lower carbon emissions in the U.S. By making nuclear power much safer, he plans to significantly increase the use from 20 percent to 80 percent.

Mike Huckabee

“The first thing I will do as President is send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence. We will achieve energy independence by the end of my second term.” Mike Huckabee

Huckabee focuses on energy independence. He wants to pursue all possible alternative energy sources from nuclear, wind, solar to hydrogen, clean coal and biodiesel. By using alternative energies, Huckabee plans dramatically decrease the import of foreign oil.

John McCain

"Americans solve problems. We don't run from them." John McCain

McCain’s plan for the environment is simple. He wants to limit carbon emissions by using market forces and promote advanced technologies like nuclear power. He also promotes production of flexible-fuel vehicles and creating the infrastructure for them.

Ron Paul

“I believe that a lack of respect for property rights has led to many [environmental] problems.” Ron Paul
Paul supports efforts to reduce the price of gasoline by increasing offshore drilling and building more refineries. To reward energy efficient commercial buildings, he wants to give them increased tax breaks.