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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U.S. Republican presidential candidate and Congressman Ron Paul listens to questions at a Town Hall meeting at the Ericson Public Library during a campaign stop in Boone, Iowa December 8, 2011. (Jim Young)

2. Ron Paul

Energy, fossil fuels

Would remove federal regulations and bureaucratic red-tape restrictions on drilling, repeal the federal tax on gasoline, and lift “government roadblocks” that restrict coal use.

Energy, alternatives

Would lift “government roadblocks” on nuclear power development and offer tax credits for purchase and production of alternative-fuel vehicles and technologies. From Iowa corn growers he received a ‘C’ on both ethanol infrastructure and policy and an ‘F’ for not supporting a national Renewable Fuels Standard.