Next week, Kansas Democrats and Republicans will rock out with their caucuses out to choose a candidate for the presidential election.
Unfortunately, little has been brought up at either side’s debates about the environment, excluding a snowman that apparently posted video questions on YouTube for one of the first Democratic debates this season.
Here is a quick look at how “green” each of the remaining candidates are.
Democrats
Hillary Clinton
Clinton has spent her Senate years as a member of the Environment and Public Works committee, so she understands the need for change.
She was on Wal-Mart’s board of directors from 1986-1992 and may still be bogged down by “big business.” She probably won’t find global warming solutions in Aisle 5.
Barack Obama
Obama received endorsements from the Sierra Club and The League of Conservation Voters for his position in the Senate. He has fewer ties to polluting industries and should be able to choose better advisers.
He supports the now-typical cap-and-trade program* to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050, a lofty (and easily avoidable) goal.
John Edwards
First candidate to make his campaign carbon-neutral and the first to propose many touted talking points, such as the 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050.
Support of ethanol as an alternative fuel source, even though its efficiency and cost-effectiveness have been called into question.
Mike Gravel
Work with other countries to reduce emissions, outlaw coal as an energy source.
Is anyone sure he’s still running for president? I think he just likes seeing himself on YouTube.
Republicans
Rudy Giuliani
Um, turn the lights off when you leave the room?
Supports an increased reliance on coal and domestic oil. At least the haze from unregulated greenhouse gases should avert potential terrorists.
Mike Huckabee
Draws in the much-needed Evangelical conservatives with the 11th Commandment: Father God created Mother Earth.
What would Jesus do? I suppose He would support coal pollution and be vague about setting goals.
Mitt Romney
Supports plans for energy independence and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
After claiming that people don’t want change in the White House and being tied to a global warming denier group, he’s not too interested.
Ron Paul
Would end subsidies to the oil industry and believes that war is a contributor to pollution problems.
Paul’s campaign is determined by the free market.
John McCain
First Republican to talk seriously on the issue and to understand the connection between global warming and national security.
Ironically, the driver of the Straight Talk Express hasn’t mentioned any specific targets to combat climate change.
Candidate information from: www.grist.org
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