Raising the Ante
May 18th, 2007 by Carbon CoalitionA new Zogby poll shows that in NH Mitt Romney is leading fellow Republican presidential wannabes by more than 15%. Hopefully this jump in popularity will bring him back to the Granite State soon–we certainly have a lot of questions for him. This article in MarketWatch compares the candidates’ positions (or lack thereof) on global warming. Romney’s touched on the issue of global warming–”I think scientists are increasingly of the view that the planet is warming and that we as humans contribute to it. What is less certain is whether there’s something that we can do that will substantially change the warming pattern that will not at the same time cause massive unemployment and poverty”–but according to the article he has no position on mandatory reductions in emissions, he’s opposed to a higher fuel economy standard, and he has no position on a renewable standard for electricity. Navin Nayak, global warming project director from the League of Conservation Voters, believes “it’s emerging as a top-tier issue. The candidates have no choice but to develop a plan.” Ok, we realize the primary is still a ways away, but how long must we wait? Speaking of polls, a poll commissioned in NH in 2006 shows that 94% of Democratic and 70% of Republican primary goers say they see global warming as a serious threat.
On the other side of the line, Sen. Clinton continues to hold her lead amongst the Democratic candidates in NH, and she does so with a strong position on global warming. Clinton is pushing for a 65% mandatory emissions reduction by 2050, an increase in the fuel efficiency standard of 10 mpg in 10 years, and a 20% renewable standard for electricity by 2020. Sen. Dodd is calling for a 50 mpg vehicle standard by 2017 and Sen. Edwards’ is pushing to reduce US emissions by 80% by 2050.
And Gov. Richardson earned LCV praise yesterday when he delivered his plan for shifting US energy use and halting global warming: “I am issuing a call to action, for Congress, the energy industry and the public. I am calling for a new American revolution -an energy and climate revolution.” Richardson’s plan includes a US reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 80% by 2040, and a 50 mpg fuel standard by 2020. He says that his experience under President Clinton as energy secretary gives him a “leg up” over other candidates. Sounds like Richardson has raised the ante. Who will be the first to match him?
