Big Issue: the Environment

First, a look at how American's feel about the environment, according to a Gallup Poll:

Here is a look at the 3 candidates' views on the environment:

Clinton: Would develop a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. Would focus on international attention to solve the problem of global deforestation. Would focus the mission of the Department of Energy on moving toward energy independence with a new approach to solar, wind, biofuels, hydropower, geothermal and other sources of renewable energy. Would place a market-based cap and trade system to reduce carbon pollution. …In combination with efficiency, fuel economy standards and other proposals, she states the system will ensure the goal of reducing U.S. contribution to global warming below 1990 levels by 80 percent. Would oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildfire Refuge. - CNN
Here is Hillary herself speaking about her plans for the environment. I do like the phrase "green-collared jobs", kudos to whoever came up with that.

Obama: Would implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the level recommended by top scientists. Would make the United States a leader in the global effort to combat climate change by leading anew international global warming partnership. Would establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) to speed the introduction of low-carbon non-petroleum fuels. Would create a Technology Transfer program within the Department of Energy dedicated to exporting climate-friendly technologies to developing countries. Would offer incentives to maintain forests globally and manage them sustainably. Would 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. - CNN
Here is also a link to a great video of Obama himself talking about his environment plan. Essentially he says he wants a cap, which will create a market that allows people to make money by saving the environment, and losing money by harming it. Also he wants to increase fuel efficiency standards on cars, which would help the environment and also make the US less reliable on some Middle Eastern countries for oil. (Does Obama realize that the US gets a majority of its oil from Canada and Mexico? Thank you NAFTA...)

McCain: Introduced the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007 with Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT). The legislation is designed to significantly reduce the nation's greenhouse gases, accomplished through a combination of trading markets and the deployment of advanced technologies. Would propose use of alternative energy sources, including nuclear. - CNN
Also for McCain watch this youtube clip from the Republican debates at Northeastern University back in October of 2007. (McCain is the second speaker, although watch the whole clip if you want a reminder of all the buffoons that were running for President a few months ago.)

McCains big point: to reduce greenhouse gases, use NUCLEAR POWER.

I am excited that the environment is an issue, that hopefully in 2008 we get a President who realizes that global warming is real, and finding real solutions to our real problems.