Obama, Clinton, McCain: Who is Greener?

Experience Aside, the Candidates' Environment Platforms

Since Al Gore made it popular for politicians to endorse and promote environmental issues, they're all doing it. In fact, environmentalism hasn't been been such a hot topic since Theodore Roosevelt set up the National Parks system. In the interest of full-fledged pandering (John McCain even has a webstore with caps, buttons, and t-shirts promoting his "green" agenda) , all three of the current presidential candidates have eco-friendly platforms. And to be fair, it is difficult to ascertain how sincere each candidate is about the environment and "green" issues. But a comparison should at least shed light on who might have the best ideas.

Senator John McCain is a self-proclaimed leader in the fight against global warming. According to his candidacy website and invoking Theodore Roosevelt, McCain's boldly states that the environment and economic interests are not mutually exclusive. He maintains a commitment to clean air and water and calls for stricter emissions laws. He has stated in the past that he wants to see the Environmental Protection Agency made into a presidential Cabinet position. He believes in the continued protection of our National Parks system.

Senator Hillary Clinton supports "green-collar" training and wanted to add $5 billion to her economic stimulus plan just for green-collar jobs (jobs that are specifically geared toward the environment and/or conservation). Clinton wants to limit greenhouse emissions by 80% by 2050. She emphasizes programs that provide incentives to increase in fuel efficiency standards on all vehicles to 55 miles per gallon by 2030 and to provide $20 billion of "Green Vehicle Bonds" for U.S. automakers to help retool their plants to meet those standards. Clinton has also suggested that a new "Connie Mae" program to be set up to provide loans to retrofit old or build new homes that are more green and energy efficient. She has even suggested legislation to require federal buildings built after January 20, 2009, every federal building be built that registers zero emissions.