Next in US Office? Enviro Issues For Nov 4th's '08 election

Hopefully, you’re paying close attention to the impending election for the next US president.  Philadelphia’s involvement  in the political race/ in Pennsylvania’s electoral college has been spotlighted recently. John McCain and Sarah Palin made a trip to Philly the other day, and Michelle Obama/Jill Biden will be coming to Philadelphia tomorrow. 

So who’s the greener candidate? 

Many environmental groups, including the Sierra Club have decided to back Senator Barack Obama.  His website outlines his plan in easy-to-understand language.  Here’s some bullet points of Obama’s environmental plan: 

• “Cap and Trade” system that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.  Companies that can’t meet standard pay for the carbon emissions/pollution emitted; then invest that excess money into clean energy, green jobs, and aid for the lowest-income Americans affected by higher energy costs.
• 25% of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025, thus improving energy efficiency 50 percent by 2030. (This means less $$ spent on energy bills)
• Create 5 million Green-Collar jobs
• Put 1 million plug-in hybrid cars (150 MPG) US-made, on the road by 2015 (talk about gas efficiency!)
• Eliminate oil imports from Middle East & Venezuela within 10 years

Senator John McCain, on the other hand, has a weaker environmental policy sprinkled with diluted language featured on his site:

• Senator McCain’s plan for Cap-and-Trade Plan will call for only 60 percent by 2050.  McCain’s system would give free credits to businesses based on previous emissions; They can sell credits (if emissions efficient) to companies who can’t meet the standard.
• Profits (from Cap & Trade Plan) going towards research of environmental alternatives, provide incentives to deploy technology faster
• Provide Leadership for United Nations negotiations & give other nations incentives to participate.

If you compare the two plans side by side… McCain’s contians more ‘fluff’ & show for climate change initiatives while Obama’s goals are easier to understand & his plan more straightforward.   (You can click on both links for the Senators names to see their plans in entirety for yourself.)  

I understand the environment isn’t the only issue in this. election, but how much longer can we handle high oil prices?  John McCain doesn’t even mention how to stop our oil dependency.  Even if we drill in Alaska, that supply is limited and the oil will run out eventually.  The process to change to cleaner energy is a long one. But shouldn’t we start shifting towards cleaner solutions before it’s too late? 

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher