This is the fourteenth in a series of posts outlining where the 2008 presidential candidates stand on climate and energy issues. The information was culled from resources developed by Courtney Fryxell and the League of Conservation Voters. You can get additional information on the candidates at HeatIsOn.org.
We will be updating this info on a regular basis and I would love to know what you think about these posts and about the candidates. Its clear that the 2008 presidential will be the most important on climate and environmental issues in decades. Your vote can help make the difference in electing a president who will take bold and just action to reduce global warming and one who will continue the status quo.
SENATOR BARACK OBAMA D-IL
Website: www.barackobama.com
Energy Plan: http:/www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/
Hear Obama in his own words:
On energy independence
On global warming
CARBON CAPS AND TARGETS
On a new energy economy
Obama is a co-sponsor of the Global Warming Pollution Act which would achieve 80% reductions by 2050 and of the McCain-Lieberman bill, which would achieve 15% reductions by 2020 and 65% reductions by 2050.
FUEL EFFICIENCY
Obama supports a 37 mpg in ten years and supported a 40 mpg standard in 2005.
RENEWABLE ELECTRICTY STANDARD
Obama supports a 20% renewable electricity standard by 2020.
EFFICIENCY TARGETS
Obama has expressed general support for increased energy efficiency, no target specifiec.
NEW COAL PLANTS AND LIQUID COAL
Obama supports liquid coal if it meets a low carbon fuel standard.
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Well there’s no denying that Obama is an excellent orator! One of the best really. He can certainly talk the talk, the question is whether or not his policies will back that up.
The ‘energy plan’ on his website is a bit lacking in detail and scope compared to several other candidates (including Edwards, Dodd, Richardson and even Clinton - you’ve got to watch the video on Clinton’s site for more of the details). I’m afraid Obama, like many current politicians, may not quite yet grasp the severity of the situation and the kinds of sweeping, bold changes in our energy policy that will be necessary to turn this country around, stop global warming, break our addiction to oil and transform America into a safer, richer, more sustainable place to live.
I hope he will continue to refine his energy plan as the campaign continues and demonstrate that he has the vision, grasp of the problem, and innovative, bold policies to solve it to back up his excellent oratory and rhetoric.