Running for prez: Grist compares five candidates' energy & climate plans
The online environmental magazine Grist has put together an easy reference chart comparing the climate and energy policies of the five presidential candidates as part of its ‘08 election series.
The most striking plank out of the lot is John McCain’s emphasis on nuclear energy. He wants 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030, with government support for making it happen. Barack Obama says nuclear energy is worth exploring but not a great option due to safety and storage problems, and that it's pretty expensive.
They both support “clean coal,” plus Obama says he would support a ban on new traditional coal facilities, which I presume is a reference to coal-burning pulverization plants.
There’s more on cap and trade proposals, CAFE standards, renewable energy and biofuels. Plus, throughout the chart Grist has linked to separate analysis pieces it’s done on where the various candidates stand on energy and climate issues.
Of the three third party candidates, Ralph Nader has the most to say, although his policy details fall short of Obama and McCain. The Green Party’s Cynthia McKinney provides general positions but no details. And the Libertarian Party’s Bob Barr tacks hard to the right of them all, literally calling for an end of regulation entirely.
The Grist ‘08 election series is informative and well worth the read. It has direct question and answer interviews, links to videos, and analysis pieces on what some of the positions of the candidates actually mean from an environmental perspective.
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