There’s an article in today’s Wall Street Journal that contrasts Barak Obama’s and John McCain’s views on energy policy. We’ve contrasted both candidates’ views on solar energy in previous blog posts. The Wall Street Journal article focuses on how each men view the role of the federal government in changing US energy policy.
On the surface, their rhetoric sounds the same. Both McCain and Obama talk about the importance of achieving energy independence. Both are willing to consider nuclear power. And both recognize the importance of addressing global warming via carbon dioxide emissions.
In the end though both men embrace relatively classic Republican and Democratic solutions toward energy independence. John McCain favors a government hands-off approach, whereas Barak Obama is more willing to fund programs that foster the development of alternative energy technologies. McCain is wary of incentives, such as tax credits for renewable energy because he views them as subsidies, something he is disinclined to support.
Obama, on the other hand, believes the industry could greatly benefit from a government boost and has stated his intention to create a goal that the USA obtains at least 25 percent of is electricity from renewable sources by 2025. Obama wants to challenge the country to reduce its carbon emissions to 80% of 1990 levels; McCain seeks a 60% reduction.
The article also points out the inconsistencies within each candidate’s position. McCain has successfully remained absent from voting on all the major legislation involving climate change and energy policy over the last couple of years. Obama walks a fine line between the coal and ethanol interests he represents for his home state of Illinois, and his more aggressive approach toward carbon emission reduction and renewable energy.
With gas prices rising almost daily, the public has a heightened interest. Let’s see if McCain and Obama refine their energy policy approach in the days ahead.
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it ought to start with somebody getting some control on the current situation. then work from there. check out http://www.straightrecord.com/oil for a start, or scroll down the straightrecord blog.