Election 101: Where the GOP candidates stand on energy and the environment

Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. From tarring President Obama’s administration with allegations of mismanagement and favoritism for pushing renewable-energy and a “green jobs” agenda, to lambasting “job-killing” environmental regulations, GOP candidates have embraced both energy and environmental issues with gusto. Take a look at where each of them stands.

- Mark Clayton, Staff writer

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In this June 10 file photo, 2012 presidential hopeful, former Republican Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr., of Utah, speaks to a reporter at a gathering at the home of Nancy and Wally Stickney in Salem, N.H. (Elise Amendola)

6. Jon Huntsman Jr.

Energy, fossil fuels

Wants to “break oil’s monopoly” and “create a truly level playing field for competing transportation fuels.” Would “eliminate every subsidy” for all energy types, expedite “safe and environmentally sound” development of oil and gas in Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, and promote shale gas and oil drilling in US and coal-to-liquid fuel production.

Energy, alternatives

Would boost use of bio-fuels and electric vehicles, push for an updated US power grid, and seek more “state based” power like California geothermal and Iowa wind. Supports small “modular” nuclear reactor development. Gets no grade from Iowa corn growers.

Climate change

Tweet on Aug. 18, 2011: “To be clear. I believe in evolution and trust scientists on global warming. Call me crazy.”

Environmental regulations

Pledges to “rein in” EPA’s “job-killing regulations” and eliminate “regulations that ... inhibit clean, domestic alternatives,” including “clean coal.”

[Has withdrawn from the race]