John Edwards 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.

John Edwards (D)

Summary: Believes the US should lead global efforts to reduce emissions. Supports emissions caps and a new climate treaty.

The Candidate Says: "Our generation must be the one that says, "We must halt global warming." If we don't act now, it will be too late. Our generation must be the one that says "yes" to renewable fuels and ends forever our dependence on foreign oil. Our generation must be the one that accepts responsibility for conserving natural resources and demands the tools to do it. And our generation must be the one that builds the New Energy Economy. How do we do it? It won't be easy, but it is time to ask the American people to be patriotic about something other than war." (Interview with Scienceblogs.com, 9 July 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

• Cap greenhouse pollution starting in 2010 and reduce it by 80% by 2050
• Lead the world toward a new global climate change treaty
• Create a $10 billion-a-year fund to be spent on renewable energy and carbon capture initiatives
• Invest in renewable energy sources

In The Past:

• Voted yes on an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003, which would have increased car fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg by 2015
• Voted no on an amendment to the Energy Security Policy bill of 2002, which supported oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Current Status:

•  Came in 3rd and 4th consistently after coming in 2nd in Iowa caucus
• Dropped out of the race after Super Tuesday (February 5, 2008)
• Endorsed Barack Obama for president

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats

• Joe Biden
• Hillary Clinton
• Christopher Dodd
• Mike Gravel
• Dennis Kucinich
• Barack Obama
• Bill Richardson

Republicans:

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