Where do the candidates stand on global warming? Just ask them…

  


Ten questions every candidate needs to answer:

(Click here for a downloadable pdf verison.)

1. In order to address the growing threat of global warming, scientists tell us that we need to reduce global warming emissions by an average of two percent each year through the middle of the century - achieving 80 percent reductions by 2050. Do you have a plan to meet these or other targets?

2. Ten of the biggest corporations, including BP, Duke Energy and GE, have endorsed establishing a mandatory, economy-wide national cap on carbon emissions, which they believe will provide industry the long-term certainty that they need to develop new technologies. What is your position on a national cap?

3. Studies have shown that increasing fuel efficiency to 40 mpg would save three million barrels per day-the single biggest step to reducing our dependence on oil. What is your plan to boost the fuel efficiency of America’s vehicles?

4. More than 20 states have passed renewable electricity standards requiring that a certain percentage of their electricity is generated from renewables. Several have set a standard of 20 percent by 2020. What, if any, target do you support for a national renewable electricity standard?

5. Utilities currently planning to build 150 new conventional coal-fired power plants. Studies show that if these plants are built, they would significantly increase global warming emissions. What is your plan to limit emissions from new coal plants?

6. The new energy economy is already emerging globally, but the U.S. is outsourcing many of these opportunities to other countries. For example, the U.S. currently imports 60-70 percent of the wind turbines operating in the country. What will you do to make the U.S. a leader in developing the new energy economy?

7. Last year, more than 85 evangelical leaders from across the country came out in support of an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce global warming pollution. What is your position on a national cap?

8. Recently, 11 retired senior generals released a report saying global warming presents significant national security threat to the United States by causing water shortages and damaging food production in some of the world’s most volatile regions. Do you agree with this assessment and if so, what is your plan to address global warming?

9. Scientists say that if we don’t make significant reductions in our global warming emissions within the next decade, the impacts will be catastrophic and irreversible. How much of a priority is global warming in your campaign?

10. If you were elected President, what would you plan to accomplish on global warming in your first 100 days?