Bill Richardson For President In 2008

Update: No longer in the race for Democratic nomination

Environmental issues (more specifically, climate change) have a real presence in the upcoming presidential election. According to a survey conducted by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, 93.1% of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate whose platform includes a plan to improve the environment. But where do each of the candidates stand? Because, let's face it...some will be champions for the environment. And others will not be.

Bill Richardson (D)

Summary: Believes US must lead by example. Supports a 90% reduction of carbon emisions by 2050 and increasing car fuel economy to 50 mpg by 2050.

The Candidate Says: "Our energy policy solutions must fight global warming, which threatens human, ecological, and economic catastrophe literally everywhere on earth. Our energy policy solutions must wean us from oil, because any oil addiction perverts our nation’s strategic objectives, limits our options, and costs us both blood and treasure....I want to set clear regulatory standards and systems and incentives, and allow the markets to respond. Finally, we must keep the U.S. at the forefront of science and technology development – exploring frontiers, finding solutions to our energy and climate challenges....We need a man-on-the-moon program to end this addiction, this hemorrhage. But we need it much faster and much more boldly than people are suggesting. When John F. Kennedy challenged this country to reach the moon, he challenged us to get there in TEN years, not twenty, or thirty, or forty. On energy policy, we need to change fast, or sink slowly. 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." (New America Foundation speech, 17 May 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

• Reduce oil imports from around 65% to 10-15%, in part by getting the 100 mpg car into the marketplace
• Double car fuel economy standards to 50 mpg by 2020
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2050
• Develop an international plan to reduce emissions
• Support development of a green economy and jobs at home

In The Past:

• Entered New Mexico into a five-state agreement with California, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington to lower greenhouse gases in February 2007
• Signed executive order to reduce greenhouse gases in New Mexico by 267-million metric tons in 2006
• Established energy efficient building standards in New Mexican state buildings in 2006
• Required increased use of renewable fuels in state government in 2005

Current Status:

• Placed 4th in Iowa, New Hampshire, and New Mexico, and 6th in Nevada 
• Dropped out January 10, 2008
• Endorsed Barack Obama for 2008 Democratic nomination

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats

• Joe Biden
• Hillary Clinton
• Christopher Dodd
• John Edwards
• Mike Gravel
• Dennis Kucinich
• Barack Obama

Republicans:

• Rudy Giuliani
• Mike Huckabee
• Duncan Hunter
• John McCain
• Ron Paul
• Mitt Romney
• Tom Tancredo
• Fred Thompson