The Other Green Party

By: Anne Consroe

We have three weeks until the election. Do you know who you are voting for? From an environmental standpoint, let’s look at each candidate’s policies on energy and the environment, and what (and if at all) they propose for new “green” jobs.

Senator Barack Obama ensures ten percent of our electricity will come from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025. He has set an impressive goal to reduce electricity demand 15 percent by 2020 and to weatherize at least one million low-income homes each year for ten years, reducing energy usage across the country and therefore alleviating energy prices for all. Obama also promises to work on the construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline. This will not only prove to be essential for our energy security, but will also create thousands of new jobs.

Senator John McCain plans to address our nation’s energy crisis by drilling domestically. He promises to enable America to become energy independent by drilling for oil along the Outer Continental Shelf. McCain believes this will provide us with trillions of dollars worth of oil and gas, allowing us to cut our dependence with imported oil. But what are Senator McCain’s plans for alternative energy sources in the long run? McCain’s website has vague views on renewable energy, with the exception of his lofty plan to create 45 nuclear power plants by 2030.

The next president of the United States will provide a crucial turning point for America’s energy policies. Please read up on the issues and make an informed decision in November.

Visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/newenergy for more information on Senator Obama’s energy policies.

Visit http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/17671aa4-2fe8-4008-859f-0ef1468e96f4.htm for more information on Senator McCain’s energy policies.