John Mccain For President In 2008

Update: Presumptive nominee

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 McCain (R)

Summary: Believes that a global effort is needed to address reducing emissions. Supports a cap-and-trade system and energy independence. Supports a 65% reduction of carbon emissions by 2050. However, McCain's voting record on environmental issues as a member of the Senate has been lacking.

The Candidate Says: "I just want to say to you unequivocally I believe that [climate change is] real. I believe there's enough evidence out there to convince us at least to try to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and maybe I could put it to you this way: suppose we are wrong, those of us that believe that the large body of scientific evidence indicates that climate change is taking place, suppose that we adopt green technologies and we are wrong. Well all we've done is given our kids a cleaner planet with less greenhouse gas emissions....Now what do we need to do? We don't have to shiver in the dark. We don't have to make drastic changes in our lifestyle. But one of the things I think we need to do is expand and reemphasize the need for nuclear power. I believe that nuclear power works. I believe that it is viable....I would join Kyoto or a worldwide agreement, but only if India and China were a part of that agreement. You've got to convince them as well." (Interview with Living on Earth, 7 December 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

Support a global agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if developing nations, such as China and India, are involved
Limit carbon emissions by harnessing market forces that will bring advanced technologies, such as nuclear energy, to the market faster
Reduce dependence on foreign oil

In The Past:

Co-sponsored the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act of 2007, which would cut carbon emissions by 30% from 2000 to 2050
Sponsored an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which would have capped greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels by 2010
Voted no on an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003, which would have increased car fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg by 2015
Received a score of zero on the 2007 National Environmental Scorecard released by the League of Conservation Voters. McCain was the only member of Congress to skip every single crucial environmental vote scored by the organization, posting a score lower than Members of Congress who were out for much of the year due to serious illnesses--and even lower than some who died during the term. By contrast, the average Member of Congress scored a 53 in 2007. McCain posts a lifetime score of only 24.

Current Status:

Won MS, RI, TX, OH, VT, WA, WI, MD, DC, VA, WA, CA, NY, AZ, OK, MO, NY, DE, IL, CT, FL, SC, NH
Has won 1,325 delegates - is in first place
Is presumptive nominee

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats