John McCain is set to outline his environmental proposal today, calling for free-market principles and relations with China and India to reduce global warming emissions. Environmental issues will play a large role in the November elections. The goal for whoever is elected is to confront the issues of global warming.
The Arizona senator's proposal focuses on a cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions. It is directed at other conservatives as well as environmentally conscious voters who are more likely to vote Democrat. Some republicans are still questioning whether humans are responsible for climate change.
McCain has a speech prepared for his visit to the Oregon wind turbine plant where he aims to stress the reality of global warming. "Whether we call it 'climate change' or 'global warming,' in the end we're all left with the same set of facts," McCain is expected to say. "The facts of global warming demand our urgent attention, especially in Washington."
McCain has offered a system where greenhouse gasses could be limited and polluting companies could sell the balance of allowed emissions for cash. He hopes a program like this would convince companies to decrease their emissions and be more conscious of their actions, thus stimulating the development of renewable energy sources.
"As never before, the market would reward any person or company that seeks to invent, improve, or acquire alternatives to carbon-based energy," he said.
He has suggested the extended use of nuclear power and urged the federal government to encourage the development of motor vehicles that run on alternative energy sources.
Although his proposal is similar to the proposals laid out by Obama and Clinton, the two democrats called for a greater reduction of 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.
"Senator McCain's proposal simply does not go far enough to address the growing threat that the climate crisis poses to our children and grandchildren," Clinton said in a statement. "Real leadership means taking this problem head on with a comprehensive, science-based plan instead of halfway measures. While Senator McCain's proposals may be improvement on President Bush's, that's not saying much."
The similarity between the three candidates indicates that voters can count on some sort of national program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions no matter who is elected.
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This post was written by Christine Pinella on May 18, 2008