29 May 2008
Climate Change Concern for U.S. Presidential Candidates
Podcast reviews Warner-Lieberman bill, candidates' positions
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The candidates in this year’s U.S. presidential election disagree on many issues. But of the high-profile challenges facing the country, all three candidates agree that climate change is a serious issue.
In June, the U.S. Senate will begin general debate on America’s Climate Security Act, otherwise known as the Warner-Lieberman bill. The legislation was introduced by Senators John Warner of Virginia, a Republican, and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats.
The bill is a response to the growing concern about climate change. The bill would establish a cap-and-trade system, which helps companies control costs by allowing them to trade, save and borrow the right to release greenhouse gases.
Proponents of cap-and-trade say it advances technologies for reducing emissions, protecting low- and middle-income Americans from higher energy costs and keeping good jobs in the United States. Several key environmental groups and companies support the bill. Opponents worry that legislation requiring the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions could have severe effects on the American economy in the form of higher gas and electricity prices. Balancing the health of the economy and its transition to clean energy are sure to be major points of discussion in the upcoming debate.
One thing seems certain – whichever candidate wins the presidency in November, he or she will support actions to curb climate change. Some differences remain in how each candidate would approach the challenge.
Hillary Clinton says that climate change is the biggest challenge in a generation. She has proposed a plan to establish a green, efficient economy, which would create as many as 5 million new jobs. She calls for greater investment in renewable energy sources, reducing electricity consumption and increasing the fuel-efficiency of passenger vehicles.
John McCain calls clean air, safe water and sustainable land use a patriotic responsibility. He supports the use of market forces to bring advanced technologies like nuclear energy to market faster. McCain was the lead author of a Senate proposal to reduce projected carbon dioxide emissions 65 percent by 2050. He believes climate change is a national security issue.
Barack Obama believes the United States has a responsibility to leave the planet in better shape for future generations. He has proposed to invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance biofuels and promote renewable energy. Obama would also create a Global Energy Forum that would bring together the largest energy-consuming nations to discuss environmental issues.
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