Previous
Energy and the environment are typically “back burner” issues in national elections, but both are huge this year for Republicans. Take a look at where each of them stands.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks at the Republican Jewish Coalition's (RJC) 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates Forum in Washington December 7, 2011. (Molly Reiley)
4. Mitt Romney
Energy, fossil fuels
Pledges more drilling in Gulf of Mexico, outer continental shelf, Western lands, and Alaska. Would use “fracking” to obtain shale gas.
Energy, alternatives
Decries handling of Solyndra and other federal loan guarantees to spur alternative energy. Favors private investment in solar, wind, and nuclear. Gets ‘B’ from Iowa corn-growers group on ethanol and renewable-fuels support.
Climate change
As governor, rejected regional cap-and-trade-style emissions program. Statement on Aug. 24, 2011: “Do I think the world’s getting hotter? Yeah, I don’t know that, but I think that it is.... I don’t know if it’s mostly caused by humans.” Statement on June 5, 2011: “I believe the world’s getting warmer.... And No. 2, I believe that humans contribute to that.”
Environmental regulations
Opposes EPA rules if they would cause power plants to close. Seeks to “reduce the regulatory burden” on industry and energy producers.
These comments are not screened before publication. Constructive debate about the above story is welcome, but personal attacks are not. Please do not post comments that are commercial in nature or that violate any copyright[s]. Comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence will be removed. If you find a comment offensive, you may flag it.