| Environment Issues |
* Barack Obama - D
 |
Ralph Nader - I
 |
Chuck Baldwin - CON
 |
| Environment, a General Statement |
Obama: Barack Obama believes that we have a responsibility to our children to leave this Earth better than we found it. He has a plan to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and to turn the global warming crisis into a moment of opportunity for innovation and job creation. And as president, he will restore America's promise of a clean and beautiful environment by cleaning up our air and water, building healthier communities with fewer toxins, and preserving our forests and other national treasures. In doing so, Obama will make sure that our environmental laws and policies balance America's need for a healthy, sustainable environment with economic growth. Improving energy efficiency is the fastest, cheapest most cost-effective method to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and it results in significant savings for our government, economy and consumers. For example, since DuPont implemented an energy efficiency program in 1990, it has cut its energy bills by $3 billion, reduced pollution by 72 percent and increased production activities by over 30 percent. Barack Obama will set a bold national goal of reducing the energy intensity of our economy 50% by 2030.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Global Warming, Climate Change |
Obama: Obama laid out an aggressive plan to combat global climate change that includes a hard cap on all carbon emissions at a level that scientists say is necessary to curb global warming - an 80% reduction by 2050. The revenue from Obama's cap-and-trade proposal would invest $150 billion over ten years in clean, renewable energy. Obama also vowed to challenge businesses, government, and the American people to set a goal of making America 50% more energy efficient by 2030.
"Global warming is not a someday problem, it is now. We are already breaking records with the intensity of our storms, the number of forest fires, the periods of drought. By 2050 famine could force more than 250 million from their homes - famine that will increase the chances of war. The polar ice caps are now melting faster than science had ever predicted. The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years. Glaciers are melting faster; the polar ice caps are shrinking; trees are blooming earlier; oceans are becoming more acidic, threatening marine life; people are dying in heat waves; species are migrating, and eventually many will become extinct. In the U.S., sea-level rise threatens to cause massive economic and ecological damage to our populated coastal areas.
"The post-Kyoto climate negotiations that have kicked off in Bali offer an important opportunity for America to re-engage with the rest of the world in taking on one of the greatest challenges of this generation. But we must start by showing the world that we are serious about tackling the climate crisis here at home, which is why I've put forth a bold energy plan that would reduce our carbon emissions 80% by 2050. As President, I will also personally reach out to the leaders of the biggest carbon emitting nations and ask them to join America in creating a new Global Energy Forum that can continue the work begun in Bali and lay the foundation for the next generation of climate protocols."
Source: www.barackobama.com/2007/12/10/obama_statement_on_climate_cha.php Date: 12/10/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Clean Air Technologies |
Obama: In addition to this cap, all polluters will have to pay based on the amount of pollution they release into the sky. The market will set the price, but unlike the other cap-and-trade proposals that have been offered in this race, no business will be allowed to emit any greenhouses gases for free. Businesses don't own the sky, the public does, and if we want them to stop polluting it, we have to put a price on all pollution. It's time to make the cleaner way of doing business the more profitable way of doing business.
Source: www.barackobama.com/2007/10/08/obama_to_announce_new_plan_to.php Date: 10/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Carbon Tax |
Obama: In contrast to other approaches like a carbon tax, cap-and-trade programs provide maximum assurances that emissions will decline to desired levels by the targeted dates. A cap-and-trade program draws on the power of the marketplace to reduce emissions in a cost-effective and flexible manner. Under the program, an overall cap on carbon emissions is established. The emissions allowed under the cap are divided up into individual allowances that represent the permission to emit that amount. Because the emissions cap restricts the amount of pollution allowed, allowances that give a company the ability to pollute take on financial value. Companies are free to buy and sell allowances in order to continue operating in the most profitable manner available to them. Those that are able to reduce pollution at a low cost can sell their extra allowances to companies facing high costs. Each year the number of allowances will decline to match the required annual reduction targets.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits |
Obama: The United States has historically been the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world - accounting for about one-fifth of the global total - but emissions are growing fastest among the rapidly developing countries. Just this year, China may have passed the US as the world's largest greenhouse gas emitting nation. Unfortunately, the Bush administration has failed to engage the developing world just as it has failed to adopt a meaningful policy at home. Making the U.S. a leader in combating climate change will require the United States to get its own house in order; re-engage and re-energize international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas pollution; and most importantly do so with the urgency this brewing crisis demands.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Developing World Greenhouse Emissions |
Obama: As nations around the world come together to combat global warming, the market for low-carbon energy products will grow significantly. Obama will create a Technology Transfer program within the Department of Energy dedicated to exporting climate-friendly technologies, including green buildings, clean coal and advanced automobiles, to developing countries to help them combat climate change. Obama will allow U.S. emitters subject to the cap-and-trade mandates to offset some of their emissions by investing in low carbon energy projects in the developing world. This will help ensure that emissions in both the U.S. and the developing world are reduced.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Developing World and Climate Change |
Obama: I will personally reach out to the leaders of the biggest carbon emitting nations in both the developed and developing world and ask them to join America in creating a new Global Energy Forum that will lay the foundation for the next generation of climate protocols. It will complement - and ultimately merge with - the much larger negotiation process underway at the UN to develop a post-Kyoto framework. I will be in constant contact with these leaders to develop concrete, feasible emissions targets that all of us will meet. We will also work to build an alliance of oil-importing nations and work together to reduce our demand, just like the OPEC nations strategize on supply.
And as we develop new forms of clean energy here at home, we will share our technology and our innovations with all the nations of the world. If we can build a clean coal plant in America, China should be able to as well. If we find a way to harness the next generation of biofuels, India will know how to do it too. And as we tackle under-development in impoverished nations, we will use what we know to help them reduce the negative impacts of climate change and build a clean energy future.
Recently, the director of a nonprofit that helps promote clean energy policies in China said that the most frequent question he gets from the Chinese about every policy initiative he suggests is, "If it is so good, why aren't you doing it?" And it's the hardest question to answer. He said, "We can point to good examples that some American states, or cities, or companies are implementing...but we can't point to America."
I believe it's time the world could point to America again. I want the leaders of Europe and Asia; of Africa and South America to point to our diplomacy and our engagement and our ingenuity as the light that led us toward a new energy future in our time.
Source: www.barackobama.com/2007/10/08/obama_to_announce_new_plan_to.php Date: 10/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Environment Technology for Developing World |
Obama: As nations around the world come together to combat global warming, the market for low-carbon energy products will grow significantly. Obama will create a Technology Transfer program within the Department of Energy dedicated to exporting climate-friendly technologies, including green buildings, clean coal and advanced automobiles, to developing countries to help them combat climate change. Obama will allow U.S. emitters subject to the cap-and-trade mandates to offset some of their emissions by investing in low carbon energy projects in the developing world. This will help ensure that emissions in both the U.S. and the developing world are reduced.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Tropical Deforestation |
Obama: A comprehensive strategy to combat global warming must address tropical deforestation which accounts for approximately 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. As forests are cut down, burned and converted to other uses, carbon stored in wood, leaves, and soils are released into the atmosphere. Reducing rates of tropical deforestation will not only slow greenhouse gas emissions but will also protect the livelihoods of local people and the abundance of biodiversity inextricably linked to those forests. By offering incentives to maintain forests and manage them sustainably, the United States can play a leadership role in dealing with climate change. In addition we must develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Encouraging these efforts will also provide improve water quality and restore natural areas for wildlife and recreation.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Cap-and-Trade System to Reduce Carbon Emissions |
Obama: The first step in doing this is to phase out a carbon-based economy that's causing our changing climate. As President, I will set a hard cap on all carbon emissions at a level that scientists say is necessary to curb global warming - an 80% reduction by 2050. To ensure this isn't just talk, I will also commit to interim targets toward this goal in 2020, 2030, and 2040. These reductions will start immediately, and we'll continue to follow the recommendations of top scientists to ensure that our targets are strong enough to meet the challenge we face.
In addition to this cap, all polluters will have to pay based on the amount of pollution they release into the sky. The market will set the price, but unlike the other cap-and-trade proposals that have been offered in this race, no business will be allowed to emit any greenhouses gases for free. Businesses don't own the sky, the public does, and if we want them to stop polluting it, we have to put a price on all pollution. It's time to make the cleaner way of doing business the more profitable way of doing business.
There is no doubt that this transition will be costly in the short-term. To make it easier, we will provide assistance to Americans who need help with their energy bills. We'll help families make their homes more energy efficient, and we'll help workers and factories retool their facilities so they can compete and thrive in a clean energy economy. And once we make America more energy efficient and start producing more renewable energy, we will save money and bring energy costs down in the long-run. But we must act now.
Source: www.barackobama.com/2007/10/08/obama_to_announce_new_plan_to.php Date: 10/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Free Market Incentives |
Obama: Without a profit motive or incentive to innovate, corporations do not spend time or money to develop new clean ways of doing business. Obama's cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100% auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away for free to coal and oil companies. Obama will develop domestic incentives that reward forest owners, farmers, and ranchers when they plant trees, restore grasslands, or undertake farming practices that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Source: "Blueprint for Change", p. 24-27 Date: 02/02/2008 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Power Plant Emissions |
Obama: I will end the notion of Yucca Mountain because it has not been based on the sort of sound science that can assure people that they're going to be safe. That was a mistake. You hate to see billions of dollars having already been spent, but I don't want to spend additional billions of dollars and potentially create a situation that is not safe. I've been clear from the start that Yucca was a misconceived project. I want to get the best experts and make a determination on the best science available.
Source: 2008 Democratic debate in Las Vegas Date: 01/15/2008 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Higher Gasoline Tax |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Kyoto Protocol |
Obama: Barack Obama will take seriously the U.S.'s leadership role in combating climate change. Obama will signal to the world the U.S. commitment to climate change leadership by implementing an aggressive domestic cap-and-trade program coupled with increased investments in clean energy development and deployment. Obama will build on our domestic commitments by creating a negotiating process that involves a smaller number of countries than the nearly 200 countries in the current Kyoto system. Obama will create a Global Energy Forum -- based on the G8+5, which included all G-8 members plus Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa -- of the world's largest emitters to focus exclusively on global energy and environmental issues.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: Ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, the climate treaty finally agreed at Marrakech in November 2001, is a crucial first step in the process of improving the environment.
Source: Candidate Website Date: 10/04/2008 |
Baldwin: No Response |
| U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |
Obama: As the world prepares for the post-2012 phase of the UNFCCC, the United States must regain its leadership role in multiple forums to negotiate effective climate agreements. This requires re-engagement with the diplomatic efforts under the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change . The UNFCCC process is the main international forum dedicated to addressing the climate problem and an Obama administration will work constructively within it.
Source: www.barackobama.com Date: 12/08/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Clear Skies Initiative and Clean Air Acts |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: Bush's environmental policies are a cruel and dangerous joke.
Source: Candidate Website Date: 10/04/2008 |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Clean Water Act and Water Quality |
Obama: Barack Obama will reinvigorate the drinking water standards that have been weakened under the Bush administration and update them to address new threats. He will help communities by restoring better federal financing for water and wastewater treatment infrastructure, and he will continue his leadership in protecting national treasures such as the Great Lakes from threats such as industrial pollution, water diversion, and invasive species. Obama will establish policies to help high-growth regions with the challenges of managing their water supply.
Barack Obama understands that the American West is facing a serious crisis. He believes we need a commitment at the federal level to a problem-solving initiative that will help manage scarce water resources and develop partnerships to nourish a healthy environment and sustain a vibrant economy. In addition, federal policies are needed to encourage voluntary water banks, wastewater treatment and other market-based measures; improve technology for water conservation and efficiency; and remove institutional barriers to increase cooperation and collaboration among federal, state, tribal, and private organizations. The "cash for grass" program, in which people are paid to remove grass and put in desert landscaping, is an excellent model.
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ Date: 09/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Clean Drinking Water |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Toxic Waste |
Obama: Obama has been a leader in eliminating lead poisoning from our communities. He has introduced multiple pieces of legislation to reduce mercury and lead poisoning and is committed to identifying and addressing environmental health problems that affect too many of our communities.
Source: BarackObama.com Date: 08/26/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Polluter-Pays Superfund Fees |
Obama: Barack Obama demanded that the Environmental Protection Agency report on what it is doing to reduce and control human exposure to hazardous contaminants at more than 100 Superfund sites nationwide. As a state senator, he voted to create the Brownfields Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Program, which encourages private sector voluntary remediation of environmentally-distressed and underutilized sites. As president, he will restore the strength of the Superfund program by requiring polluters to pay for the cleanup of contaminated sites they created.
Source: www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare Date: 09/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Oil Drilling in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) |
Obama: Instead of opening new lands for development - like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge - oil companies should utilize the non-environmentally sensitive lands currently available. We could save as much, in terms of our fuel, if we increased our fuel efficiency standards, as much as we would from getting Alaska drilling going immediately. And that's been the Bush strategy increasing production for oil and gas companies, subsidizing them to the tune of 20 billion dollars, as opposed to thinking about how, not only, we can develop alternative fuels
Source: IL Senate Debate Date: 10/26/2004 |
Nader: Absolutely not. We should be looking for ways to reduce our dependence on oil, not finding new sources to feed our addiction.
Source: Candidate Website Date: 10/04/2008 |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Obama: Barack Obama demanded that the Environmental Protection Agency report on what it is doing to reduce and control human exposure to hazardous contaminants at more than 100 Superfund sites nationwide. As a state senator, he voted to create the Brownfields Rehabilitation and Redevelopment Program, which encourages private sector voluntary remediation of environmentally-distressed and underutilized sites. As president, he will restore the strength of the Superfund program by requiring polluters to pay for the cleanup of contaminated sites they created.
In the Obama Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency will strictly monitor and regulate pollution from large CAFOs, with fines for those who violate tough air and water quality standards. Obama strongly supports efforts to ensure meaningful local control. Obama supports reinstating a strict cap on the size of the livestock operations that can receive EQIP funding so that the largest polluters have to pay for their own environmental clean up.
Source: www.barackobama.com/2007/10/16/obama_unveils_real_leadership.php Date: 10/16/2007 |
Nader: The EPA needs to become much more vigorous in actually protecting our environment, rather than being a lapdog for corporate interests.
Source: Candidate Website Date: 10/04/2008 |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Interior Department |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| National Parks |
Obama: Barack Obama supports a true preservation and protection policy for our nation's parks and forests. Obama fought efforts to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). He also voted to prohibit the use of funds to construct new roads in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska for the purpose of harvesting timber by private entities or individuals. As president, he will repair the damage done to our national parks by poor funding.
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ Date: 09/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| National Forests and Healthy Forests Initiative |
Obama: Obama supports a true preservation policy for our nation's parks and forests. Obama fought efforts to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and voted to prohibit the use of funds to construct new roads in Alaska's Tongass National Forest.
Source: BarackObama.com Date: 08/26/2007 |
Nader: Yes. Once again, Bush's policies benefit corporations at the expense of citizens.
Source: Candidate Website Date: 10/04/2008 |
Baldwin: No Response |
| National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Land, Rivers and Lakes |
Obama: The Great Lakes store one-fifth of the world's surface fresh water, and Lake Michigan alone provides drinking water for an estimated six million Illinoisans. The Great Lakes are also important for recreation, transportation, and economic development. To preserve this national treasure, Barack Obama has been a strong supporter of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration and cosponsored the Great Lakes Environmental Restoration Act. He has secured funding to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species of Asian carp that could destroy their ecosystem. He pushed the Senate to improve its oversight of the Great Lakes Restoration Process. As a member of the Illinois State Senate, he was the chief co-sponsor of a bill to prevent sludge treatment facilities from being built near sensitive parts of Lake Michigan.
Because most rural land is privately-owned, farmers, ranchers, and private landowners are the principle stewards of rural land and water. As a U.S. Senator, Barack Obama has supported conservation programs, such as the Conservation Security Program (CSP), that serve as a resource to farmers and assist them with sustainable environmental planning and best land management practices. As president, Obama will put an unprecedented level of emphasis on the conservation of private lands. He will advance legislation that works with landowners to focus federal attention and increased resources for this key environmental issue. He will also increase funding for CSP and the Conservation Reserve Program and will create additional incentives for private landowners for sustainable agriculture to protect and restore wetlands, grasslands, forests and other wildlife habitat.
"In moving forward, we must always stress sustainability and conservation - principles that are best understood by Americans who live and work off the land. That's why protecting our land and water will be a critical part of a new energy policy."
Source: hwww.barackobama.com/2007/10/16/obama_unveils_real_leadership.php Date: 10/16/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Factory Farms |
Obama: Between 1992 and 2004, there were more than 450 manure spills from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Iowa. These spills have killed millions of fish and have jeopardized public health by contaminating surface and ground drinking water. Barack Obama is committed to working for tougher regulations on CAFOs to preserve Iowa's environment. He has supported legislation to set tough pollution limits for livestock operations, including limits on nitrogen, phosphorus, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia and other pollutants. He opposes the Bush administration's program of giving large industrial livestock operations immunity from the Clean Air Act and Superfund in exchange for simply reporting air emissions. Finally, since communities near CAFOs face the full brunt of pollution, odor, and health problems, Barack Obama supports efforts to set stricter local requirements and ensure meaningful local choice about the placement, expansion, and regulation of CAFOs.
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ Date: 09/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Oceans |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Tropical Rainforests |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Wetlands |
Obama: Barack Obama supported legislation to restore $2 billion in cuts to conservation programs, including the conservation reserve and wetland reserve programs.
Source: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/ Date: 09/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Invasive Species |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Endangered Species |
Obama: No Response |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Cruelty to Animals |
Obama: The Humane Society 109th Congress Scorecard on animal protection issues scored Obama 60 out of 100, based on:
Obama did not co-sponsor the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S.1915): To bar slaughtering horses for human consumption. Bill had 34 co-sponsors.
Obama voted for the Horse Slaughter Amendment (9/20/2005): to stop export of horses for slaughter.
Obama co-sponsored the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act (S.382): To criminalize dogfighting & cockfighting. The bill had 51 cosponsors & passed unanimously on 4/28/2005.
Obama did not co-sponsor the Downed Animal Protection Act (S.1779): to ban "downed" (unable to walk to slaughter) cattle, pigs & sheep in human food. Bill had 26 cosponsors.
Obama signed the Funding Letter to the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee: seeking funds for the Animal Welfare Act, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, & federal animal fighting law. The letter was cosigned by 44 senators & sent on 5/25/2006.
Source: www.fund.org Date: 01/31/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Recycling and Trash |
Obama: One environmental magazine called Obama a "bona-fide, card-carrying, bleeding-heart greenie." As a student at Columbia University, Obama worked for three months as an environmental activist to promote recycling in Harlem. As a community organizer, he fought against environmental racism by helping public housing residents demand to have their apartments tested for asbestos and repaired. He noted, "Environmentalism is not an upper-income issue, it's not a black issue, it's not a South or a North or an East or a West issue. It's an issue that all of us have a stake in."
Source: The Improbable Quest, by John K. Wilson, p.157-158 Date: 10/30/2007 |
Nader: No Response |
Baldwin: No Response |
| Environment Issues |
Bob Barr - L
 |
John Mccain - R
 |
| Environment, a General Statement |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: America has been blessed with a rich and diverse natural heritage. In the tradition of his hero, Theodore Roosevelt, John McCain believes that we are vested with a sacred duty to be proper stewards of the resources upon which the quality of American life depends. Ensuring clean air, safe and healthy water, sustainable land use, ample greenspace - and the faithful care and management of our natural treasures, including our proud National Park System - is a patriotic responsibility. One that must be met not only for the benefit of our generation, but for our children and those to whom we will pass the American legacy. John McCain believes that America's economic and environmental interests are not mutually exclusive, but rather inextricably linked. Our economic prospects depend greatly upon the sustainable use of ample and unspoiled natural resources. A clean and healthy environment is well served by a strong economy. History shows that poverty is a poor steward. As John McCain said, "Americans solve problems. We don't run from them." He believes that ignoring the problem reflects a "liberal live for today" attitude unworthy of our great country, and poses a serious and unacceptable threat to our environment, our economy, and U.S. national security. He has offered common sense approaches to limit carbon emissions by harnessing market forces that will bring advanced technologies, such as nuclear energy, to the market faster, reduce our dependence on foreign supplies of energy, and see to it that America leads in a way that ensures all nations do their rightful share.
Source: www.johnmccain.com Date: 12/05/2007 |
| Global Warming, Climate Change |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: President Bush has denied, delayed and derailed any action on global warming. The political climate is changing on climate change, and the Congress and the American people are warming up to action on global warming. Global warming is now - and must remain - on the front burner of the national environmental agenda. According to a United Nations study, every ton of greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere costs each American up to $160 - and we the U.S. is currently emitting billions of tons each year. Property lost to rising sea levels, cropland lost to draught, and revenues lost to dwindling fishing stocks caused by global warming also represent real costs - not to mention the immeasurable damage to Americans’ health and quality of living. According to a recent Zogby poll, 75% of 1,200 citizens polled supported requiring major industries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with more than 70% support in each region of the nation.
Source: www.johnmccain.com Date: 12/05/2007 |
| Clean Air Technologies |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy.
In 2005, voted against a renewable portfolio standard that would have required the U.S. to get 10 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
Source: www.grist.org/feature/2007/10/01/mccain_factsheet/index.html Date: 10/01/2007 |
| Carbon Tax |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Reduce carbon dioxide emission levels to 2000 levels by the year 2010 by capping the overall greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation, transportation, industrial, and commercial economic sectors
Source: www.johnmccain.com Date: 12/05/2007 |
| Developing World Greenhouse Emissions |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: I believe it is going to be technology that gets us through this very difficult period as greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase and further damage is done to our planet."
Source: sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080215122640AAPjMsP Date: 02/22/2008 |
| Developing World and Climate Change |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: The burning of oil and other fossil fuels is contributing to the dangerous accumulation of greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere, altering our climate with the potential for major social, economic, and political upheaval. The world is already feeling the powerful effects of global warming, and far more dire consequences are predicted if we let the growing deluge of greenhouse-gas emissions continue, and wreak havoc with God's creation.
Source: www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/13bc1d97-4ca5-49dd-9805-1297872571ed.htm Date: 04/23/2007 |
| Environment Technology for Developing World |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Tropical Deforestation |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Cap-and-Trade System to Reduce Carbon Emissions |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: John McCain supports a cap and trade system.
Source: www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-09-27-candidates-climate_N.htm Date: 09/27/2007 |
| Free Market Incentives |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Supports 'cap and trade' systems and wants to reduce carbon emissions by 65% by 2050
Source: www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2007-09-27-candidates-climate_N.htm Date: 09/27/2007 |
| Power Plant Emissions |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Higher Gasoline Tax |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Kyoto Protocol |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: I believe America did the right thing by not joining the Kyoto Treaty. But I believe that if we could get China and India into it, then the United States should seriously consider it on our terms.
Source: www.theleftanchor.com/2008/01/ny-times-endors.html Date: 01/25/2008 |
| U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Clear Skies Initiative and Clean Air Acts |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Clean Water Act and Water Quality |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Clean Drinking Water |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Toxic Waste |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on March 15, 2005, relating to the removal of coal- and oil-fired electric generating units from the list of major sources of hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. The EPA's Clean Air Mercury Rule:
Limits smokestack emissions in a two-phase program founded on a market based capping system
Calls for the first cap to limit mercury emissions to 38 tons in 2010
Requires the second and final cap to begin in 2018 and stay fix at 15 tons
Source: Bill S J Res 20 ; vote number 2005-225 Date: 09/13/2005 |
| Polluter-Pays Superfund Fees |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Oil Drilling in ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Voted YES on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR
Voted YES on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Voted YES on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill
Source: Bar Oil and Gas Leasing amendment; Bill S Amdt 2358 to S 1932 ; vote number 2005-288 Date: 11/03/2005 |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Interior Department |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| National Parks |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Theodore Roosevelt was my hero and is to this day. He was responsible for the National Parks system, the crown jewels of America. They are $6 billion underfunded, they’re under enormous strain.
Source: GOP Debate in Johnston, Iowa Date: 01/16/2000 |
| National Forests and Healthy Forests Initiative |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Establish of a collaborative partnership between federal, state, and local entities to ensure effective protection of communities at-risk from wildfire. Place priority on protection of at-risk communities, with at least 50 percent of funding provided for such projects in areas around communities on federal and non-federal lands. Expedite environmental reviews for hazardous fuel reduction projects with public review and comment. Provide for protection for old growth stands. Establish a pre-decisional review process for authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects. Encourage courts to expedite review proceedings, restricts the length of preliminary injunctive relief and stays pending appeal to 60 days with renewal option, and direct the court to weigh the impacts of a project against the impact of no action.
Source: www.johnmccain.com Date: 12/05/2007 |
| National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: McCain would repeal Clinton’s recent executive order banning roads in more than 50 million acres of pristine wilderness. McCain did not oppose protecting the national forest preserve. Rather he objected to taking the action through an executive order, even though the order set off a rule-making process that includes public comment. “The idea that Washington knows best and that local residents cannot be trusted to do what’s right in their own backyard is the epitome of federal arrogance,” he said.
Source: NY Times, p. A22 Date: 12/21/1999 |
| Land, Rivers and Lakes |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: Invoking cloture on the California desert protection bill. ["Invoking cloture" means "ending the discussion and calling a vote." A NO vote in this case would continue discussing whether to terminate the existing program, and hence is considered pro-business and/or anti-environment].
Source: Bill S. 21 ; vote number 1994-326 Date: 10/08/1994 |
| Factory Farms |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Oceans |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Tropical Rainforests |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Wetlands |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Invasive Species |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: No Response |
| Endangered Species |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: McCain sponsored a resolution for the International Whaling Commission to end whaling and illegal trade in whale meat
[McCain] denounced proposals to breach dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to save endangered salmon.
He duly introduced legislation exempting a $520 million project [which proposed University of Arizona development on a national forest which contains many endangered species] from compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Antiquities Act and the Native American Religious Freedom Act.
Source: www.counterpunch.org/stclair11232004.html Date: 11/23/2004 |
| Cruelty to Animals |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: The Humane Society 109th Congress Scorecard on animal protection issues scored McCain 40 out of 100, based on:
McCain co-sponsored the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S.1915): To bar slaughtering horses for human consumption. Bill had 34 co-sponsors.
McCain voted for the Horse Slaughter Amendment (9/20/2005): to stop export of horses for slaughter.
McCain did not co-sponsor the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act (S.382): To criminalize dogfighting & cockfighting. The bill had 51 cosponsors & passed unanimously on 4/28/2005.
McCain did not co-sponsor the Downed Animal Protection Act (S.1779): to ban "downed" (unable to walk to slaughter) cattle, pigs & sheep in human food. Bill had 26 cosponsors.
McCain did not sign the Funding Letter to the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee: seeking funds for the Animal Welfare Act, Humane Methods of Slaughter Act, & federal animal fighting law. The letter was cosigned by 44 senators & sent on 5/25/2006.
Source: www.fund.org Date: 01/31/2007 |
| Recycling and Trash |
Barr: No Response |
Mccain: McCain adopted the Republican Main Street Partnership agenda item:
H.R. 2941 Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act.
Republican Main Street Partnership Congresswomen Marge Roukema (NJ), Sue Kelly (NY), and Melissa Hart (PA) as well as Congressman Paul Gillmor (PA) have introduced legislation providing a new source of funding for improving former industrial sites. H.R. 2941 reauthorizes the Brownfields Remediation Grant Program as well as creating a new loan program for brownfields redevelopment. The pilot program encourages cities to tap private loans for civic improvements by using the federal grants as collateral. The bill allows for Community Development Block Grants to be used in industrial site clean up as well.
Source: Republican Main Street Partnership Legislative Agenda 02-RMSP2 Date: 05/24/2002 |