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

Enlarge

Republican presidential candidate, Texas Gov. Rick Perry addresses the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates Forum hosted by the Republican Jewish Coalition, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, in Washington. (Cliff Owen)

3. Rick Perry

Energy, fossil fuels

Would vastly expand oil and gas exploration offshore and on federal and private lands by executive order, including Alaska National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf of Mexico, and off the mid-Atlantic states.

Energy, alternatives

Touts Texas as US leader on wind power. Seeks an “all of the above” approach to electricity generation, combining conventional with renewable sources: gas, coal, nuclear, wind, biomass, waste-to-energy, and solar. Would accelerate permit process for nuclear energy. Gets an ‘F’ from Iowa corn growers for ethanol and renewable fuels support.

Climate change

Is “skeptical” about human-caused climate change. Would repeal EPA’s authority over greenhouse gases and eliminate any agency programs to restrict carbon dioxide emissions.

Environmental regulations

Would eliminate “activist” EPA regulations; would return EPA’s authority to states, confining it to environmental and cost-comparison analyses; would suspend “job killing” Clean Air Act regulations.