As the field of presidential hopefuls begins to whittle away, here at Cooler Planet, we thought it would be intriguing to examine where each candidate stands on solar energy and on renewable energy in general. We’ll start with John McCain.
It’s heartening to hear that solar energy has made it into the presidential campaign. When Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his endorsement of John McCain on February 1, 2008, the two men stood in front of Solar Integrated Technologies a manufacturer of building integrated photovoltaic roofing systems for their press event. The site they selected reflects McCain’s support for environmental stewardship, and of course, reinforces Governor Schwarzenegger’s commitment to solar power.
On John McCain’s campaign website, there is no explicit discussion of solar energy. Yet it’s clear that McCain believes climate change is real, caused by human behavior, and must be addressed. McCain’s priority is to pursue policy that makes the USA less dependent on foreign oil. He is a proponent of nuclear energy and the expanded use of renewable energy. In a speech given in April 2007 and posted on the campaign website, McCain indicates his support for a mix of energy sources: “Nuclear energy, renewable power, and other emission free forms of power production can expand capacity, improve local air quality and address climate change.” McCain has yet to propose a specific target level or date toward which the U.S. could meet its energy requirements through an expanded mix of energy sources. Nor does McCain describe his vision for facilitating the expansion of renewable energy resources.
McCain’s acknowledgement that humans impact our climate differs from the other Republican front runners. Perhaps McCain’s view is inspired by one of his heroes, Theodore Roosevelt, who sought to ensure that we are sensitive stewards of our land and its resources.
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I like McCain and I especially like Arnold S. the Gov of California for his stance on the enviornment. However, if McCain wants to win the election, he needs to lay out a CLEAR plan for a stiff energy policy for this Nation and bring a chart with him at the debates.
Ted Townsend
Mc Cain is clueless. He was the ONLY member of congress to NOT vote on the energy bill. Renewables LOST 59-40 with one NO VOTE – Mc Cain.
vote Yes or vote NO, but for god’s sake vot and do not be a coward and run away
You can stand anywhere you want. W stood at NREL, and blew smoke up kilts, after the powers that be had instantaneously resurrected their budget that had been hacked weeks previous. Arnold has proven to be a friend to sustainability. John has not.
It is clear that John’s budget would be very like W’s, very heavy on Defense and little else. All the above is rhetoric, and rhetoric does not feed or clothe, or provide jobs, or resolve issues.