How are the Candidates Going to Clean America?
How are the Candidates Going to Clean America?
The method in which America creates energy has been a hot topic during the 2008
presidential election. For most, a primary concern deals with how we can keep prices
down at the pump while eliminating our need for foreign oil. This desire has lead to the
“drill here, drill now” crowd calling for domestic offshore drilling (among other things).
While everyone agrees that energy independent principles are vital to revving
up the American economy, there are big differences in how to accomplish this task.
Notably, when it comes to the energy resources and environmental protection standards,
there are fundamental differences in Barack Obama’s and John McCain’s interests.
Additionally, when it comes to bills in congress addressing consumer protection,
manufacturing standards, and other topics not talked about enough, the future will
heavily depend upon which candidate prevails. The following include a few you may not
have known about, and some you may have, but they are all liable to affect the lives of
everyday Americans.
One fact to note when looking for the candidates policies on their respective websites
is that Barack Obama has a category named “Energy and Environment” under the “Issues” section. On the other hand, John McCain has “American Energy”
and “Climate Change” listed as separate categories under the “Issues” section. This
seemingly subtle difference represents some conflicting policies between the two
candidates. While McCain believes in global warming, he is resistant to associate the
call for more oil with his global warming concerns because supporting the two issues is
a sheer contradiction. In sum, Obama wants to rid our dependence on all oil (not just
foreign) and McCain wants to use every available resource needed to end our dependence
on foreign oil.
McCain calls his energy plan The Lexington Project, which is an
all of the above energy solution according to his website. Included is expansion of domestic oil and natural oil exploration, tax credits for automakers and consumers who buy cars
with low carbon emissions, $2 billion annually reserved for clean coal technology, 45 new nuclear power plants and he will “encourage” the market for alternative fuels such as wind, hydro,
and solar power. He has greenhouse gas emissions targets listed in the climate change
section that includes dropping it 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 66 percent
below 2005 levels by 2050.
Obama calls his the New Energy plan and puts added emphasis on new forms of energy. He wants to provide $1,000 to American families through a windfall profits tax, calling it an “Emergency Energy Rebate.” He will invest $150 billion over the next 10 years to build a clean energy future, and in that same allotted time, rid American dependency of foreign oil. He wants to put one million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015 and ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012 and 25 percent by 2025. In addition, Obama wants to implement an economy–wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
Interestingly, by 2050 many of those reading this article still won’t be as old as
John McCain is now. Moving on, there are other issues that you may not hear about quite
as much.
The use of asbestos in products and the manufacturing industry could come to a close
in 2009. Senator Patty Murray introduced the “Ban Asbestos in America Act” that has been introduced and passed by the entire U.S. Senate.
However, the bill does contain a harmful pro-industry amendment eliminating coverage for
workers exposed to products containing one percent or less of asbestos. CWA and the
AFL-CIO will work to have this language omitted in the final Senate-House legislation.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum has introduced the “Bruce Vento Asbestos and Prevent Mesothelioma Act of 2008.” This legislation is not expected to be passed by the full house during 2008, so this is basically groundwork in order to get the bill passed in 2009. Right now there are now mesothelioma treatments that result in a cure.
Another bill is the “Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008.” These are all
supported by the Blue-Green Labor/Environmental Coalition.
With Barack Obama as president and a Congress dominated by democrats, the above
legislation should all pass. With John McCain as president, the bills could be vetoed.
In paying for all of these plans, Barack Obama pledges to raise taxes on the wealthiest
Americans (annual income of $250,000) and raise taxes on oil companies. While John
McCain will actually lower taxes for oil companies, he pledges to cut small business
taxes and promote fiscal responsibility within the government. He says that with
bi-partisan efforts, he can bring the budget to balance by 2013. Until then, expect a
dirty fight in efforts toward a cleaner America.
Source: Mesothelioma Cancer Center
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September 17th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Since the bankers dictate what industries get the green light and what industries get canned (with loans) it’s not really up to the president. So I’m sure we’ll see more nuclear and “clean coal” since they are more profitable than ethanol (because anyone can make ethanol) and what I really want to see is a candidate talking about free energy, electromagnetism and such.
strawbales last blog post..Round Pole Post & Beam Structure
September 17th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Hi Strawbale … you have a good point. Free energy is the way to go since it is the cleanest. I am not a proponent of coal at all. Hopefully, one of them will hit these items.
September 18th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Things in USA are hard for the moment…High taxes we have in my country but I don’t mind it go to free school and free health care etc…That is a security net for us.
I really appreciated your visit in my “cottage”…Hope you have nothing against that I have put a link from me to you on my site?
FANCY SWEDENs last blog post..Take Place
September 18th, 2008 at 9:27 am
hi Fancy … Welcome back! I have nothing but joy of my link on your site.
September 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am
previously, i’m not really know about the candidates vision on environment. your article is very useful. thanks
September 18th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Linda! Linda! Linda!
As always, thought provoking stuff and lots of it!
I would imagine that your piece of the globe is significantly warming by now if you’re still having to run that generator.
Hope the power’s back on. Texas is warm enough already.
Seriously, though, how’s it going by now?
September 18th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hi iip … I am glad I could help you out on what each candidate has to say.
Hey Brad …. Got water yesterday. Got phone back day before and electricity…… hmmmmmmmm… probably next week. So the generator has to hum along until then. Not good on the pocket book at all! Yes, the weather is warming up again. I am praying for a cold front to come through to help us out!
still cleaning up ……..
September 18th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Hi Linda,
It sounds like it’s one step at a time..but at least you’re on the road to recovery. This was another very good post! Take Care…
Barbaras last blog post..Early Autism Detection Aids In Development
September 18th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I lived in Germany for a few years (US Army) and my wife is from Germany. Now that we live in the States again, we both saw dramatic differences on how clean the environment is in Germany compared to here. In Germany for instance, it’s the law to recycle! It’s the law to have a environment friendly vehicle (meaning you can’t have smoke belching out the rear). They have a very extensive vehicle check up to make sure you meet environmental requirements. People use public transportation a lot more than here. The food over there is healthier. Nobody over their drives gas guzzlers. And the result…the streets are so clean! There is no trash on the streets. The air is very clean! My wife was shocked when she found out about smog over in the states. Water is cleaner. You can drink it out the sink. Now I’m very happy that the States are starting to get greener because believe me…we need it!
@Fancy Sweden – You are right about what you said. Over in the European countries, they have much higher taxes. That’s because their economy is more Socialist based and not Capitalist like the US. In Germany, healthcare is free, child care..free, school…free. Unemployed? They give you money and help to pay your bills and rent. Have a kid? They give you 2 years off, paid while you take care of your baby. The only bad point…high taxes, especially gas and income! Very very hard to start your own business. Not everyone is equal in the school system.
September 18th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Hi Barbara … Yes, it is one step at a time and the electric trucks are getting closer. So maybe early next week for electricity.
September 18th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Hi B.M. Garrett … WOW! That is impressive! There is always a trade off when it comes to socialist versus capitalist. We in the states are now becoming more aware and are working towards a greener environment.
September 19th, 2008 at 1:21 am
Hi Linda,
After reading your post, I’m going to check out the candidates sites and see what else they have to say. We certainly don’t hear a lot of that on the news, so it’s nice to know they have it posted.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Priorities – Signatures – Open Mic
September 19th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Hi Barbara … Yes, they are posted and thanks to the Mesothelioma Center for making sure we have the
facts versus the candy coated stuff we hear on the news!
September 19th, 2008 at 10:08 am
I don’t have preferences on any of the candidates and I certainly do not know how each of them will work on to manage it. Whatever they have drafted into their plan, I just hope they will implement it. The last thing that I want to hear is some empty promises.
Sock Yees last blog post..Caring and maintaining planted aquarium
September 19th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hi Sock Yee … You are absolutely correct on the empty promises. I am all for implementation of the plans ……..
September 20th, 2008 at 5:06 am
They’ve talked the talk and let’s see if they will take any action to the environment
wilsons last blog post..Champix Varenicline – Best way to Quit Smoking
September 20th, 2008 at 6:31 am
Hi Wilson … I think they will have to do something to keep folks from giving even more of a hard time.