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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.
Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks during a business forum, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, in Greenville, S.C. (Rainier Ehrhardt)
1. Newt Gingrich
Energy, fossil fuels
Would maximize oil, gas, and “clean coal” production; remove “bureaucratic and legal” obstacles; end ban on oil shale development; share federal royalties with states to promote offshore oil.
Energy, alternatives
Pledges to finance clean-energy research and projects using oil and gas royalties, supports nuclear and wind. Gets an ‘A’ from Iowa corn growers for ethanol and renewable-fuels support.
Climate change
Opposes cap-and-trade regulation. In 2008 TV ad, said US “must take action to address climate change.” Now says ad was “probably the dumbest thing I’ve done in recent years.” Once cosponsored legislation that blamed “human activities” for warming, but later said he did not know if humans were to blame.
Environmental regulations
Would replace “job killing” EPA with “Environmental Solutions Agency,” using incentives to work with local government and industry. Seeks “loser pays” laws: environmental lawsuit losers pay all legal costs.
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