2nd Presidential Debate – Green Recap

While I won’t be repeating the presidential candidate’s green policies (read them here), environmental issues were prevalent in last night’s debate between Barack Obama & John McCain.  Here’s some environmental highlights:

John McCain mentioned energy independence will be key for rebuilding our economy. McCain’s solution does include offshore drilling and nuclear energy.  Some of the arguments against nuclear energy are that it’s only part of the solution and will be a long process to get it up and running.  However, nuclear energy is a clean, green alternative to our current petroleum problem, so it’s a step in the right direction.  (McCain took shots at Obama’s fear of nuclear energy which he refuted.)  

When asked to prioritize healthcare, energy and and entitlement reform (Medicare & Social Security), McCain wanted to work on all three at once.  All three are dire issues.  Obama took a bolder route to answer the same question, saying he’d attack energy first.  He recognizes the immediate need to start investing in several kinds of alternative energy (wind, solar, whatever it takes, etc.) and wants to start making noticable progress within 10 years.

Another valid point Obama mentioned is that all American families will have to begin thinking of how to save energy in their homes, recognizing the importance of the ‘little things.’ (Don’t worry, that’s what we’re here for!)

Both candidates had better laid enviro-plans represented this debate, but both had a few blows.  While Obama has a more aggressive environmental plan, he did admit offshore drilling will be necessary – so both candidates are both eye to eye on this topic.  (Off-shore drilling is still dangerous for wildlife.)  However, their time-frames for offshore drilling are vague, but Obama alludes that it’s only a temporary solution.  One enviro-flaw: both candidates mentioned “clean coal technology” – which is basically an oxymoron. 

Read the whole transcript here.

Posted by Julie

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher