Monday, October 13, 2008

Oct. 13: Where They Stand: Energy

By Sylvia Gurinsky



The look at the presidential candidates continues with a focus on energy issues, again with reference to the candidates' Web sites and Project Vote Smart.



Barack Obama



-Obama proposes investing $150 billion over the next decade for a "clean energy future." He wants 10 percent of U.S. electricity to come from renewable sources within the next four years, and 25 percent by 2025. He proposes a cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
In July, 2005, Obama voted Yes on an appropriations bill for energy and water development for fiscal year 2006. Last July, Obama did not vote on a low-income energy assistance bill. Last April, he did not vote on an amendment to extend tax credits and deductions for renewable energy development. Last December, he did not vote on a bill to increase fuel economy or the production of renewable fuels, but in June, 2007, he voted Yes on the Energy Act of 2007 bill. In March, Obama voted No on an amendment to increase spending on natural gas development off the Virginia coast and the development of oil shale resources on public lands and Yes on an amendment that permitted development in areas not covered by a moratorium.

-He proposes 1 million domestically built plug-in hybrid cars that get 150 miles per gallon on the roads in the next seven years. He plans to increase fuel economy standards by four percent a year, eliminate current imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 years, establish a standard to reduce carbon in fuels and require 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in the U.S. fuel supply by 2030.


-Obama advocates a windfall profits tax to provide a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to families. He has a goal to weatherize at least 1 million low-income houses a year for the next decade to save energy.


-Obama will require oil companies to develop the land they already have leases on, or lose it. He advocates the development of "clean coal" technology and the construction of a natural gas pipeline in Alaska.
In August, 2006, Obama voted No on a bill to expand exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. In June, 2005, he voted Yes on an amendment to reduce dependence on foreign oil by 40 percent by 2025. In November, 2005, he voted Yes to strike sections of a bill allowing an oil and gas leasing program in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge.

-Obama plans to work with the United Nations and create a Global Energy Forum of the world's largest emitters to work on energy and the environment.


For more information: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy



John McCain


-McCain supports expanding domestic exploration of oil and natural gas. In August, 2006, he voted Yes on a bill to expand exploration and drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. In June, 2005, he voted No on an amendment to reduce dependence on foreign oil by 40 percent by 2025.
In November, 2005, he voted Yes to strike sections of a bill allowing an oil and gas leasing program in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). In March, 2003, McCain voted Yes on a measure to prevent consideration of drilling in ANWR. In June, 2003, he voted Yes on an amendment to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign petroleum.


-McCain proposes a Clean Car Challenge, a $5,000 tax credit for everyone who buys a zero carbon emission car. There will also be graduated tax credits for vehicles with lower emissions. He proposes a $300 million prize for the development of a battery package for cars. He is a supporter of more Flex-Fuel vehicles and fuels such as ethanol. He proposes eliminating mandates, tariffs and price supports that focus on just corn-based ethanol.
Last July, McCain did not vote on a low-income energy assistance bill. Last April, he did not vote on an amendment to extend tax credits and deductions for renewable energy development. Last December, he did not vote on a bill to increase fuel economy and the production of renewable fuels, nor did he vote on the June, 2007 version of the Energy Act of 2007. In March, McCain did not vote on an amendment to increase spending on natural gas development off the Virginia coast and the development of oil shale resources on public lands, or on an amendment that permitted development in areas not covered by a moratorium.

-McCain endorses existing mileage standards.

-McCain proposes committing $2 billion a year to advance clean coal technology. He supports the construction of 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030. He will, his Web site says, "encourage the market" for solar, wind and other alternative fuels.
In July, 2005, McCain voted No on an appropriations bill for energy and water development for fiscal year 2006.


-McCain also proposes a cap-and-trade system to set limits on greenhouse gas emissions, to make them 66 percent below 2005 levels by 2050.


-McCain proposes an upgrade of the national electricity grid.


-McCain opposes a windfall profits tax.

-In 1996 and 1997, McCain voted Yes on legislation to improve the cleanup and storage of nuclear waste and set improved standards. In 2003, he voted Yes on the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.


For more information:


http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/17671aa4-2fe8-4008-859f-0ef1468e96f4.htm

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