Forget Palin, the real race is between Obama and McCain. Actually its between McCain and McCain. McCain the "maverick" versus McCain the GOP loyalist. He says he puts country first, but since he has been nominated, he has only put the GOP first.

McCain vs. McCain on the Environment...

http://www.greenpieceblog.com/2008/09/mccain-vs-mccain-on-environment.html

Posted at September 5, 2008 10:57 AM in response to What's The Plan To Deal With Palin?

Thanks for all the positive and interesting comments. One thing I see happening a lot lately is an acceptance of mediocre solutions to some extremely pressing problems because of the impression that, "Its just how Washington works."

I live in Washington. I certainly understand how it works. However, Obama has long said that our politics are smaller than our challenges. I believe that. If we want to confront our environmental challenges, we are going to have to hold our elected representatives to a higher standard so that our politics can finally meet the size of our challenges.

When the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, one of the priorities they promised was an Energy Bill that put in place fuel efficiency standards that would greatly reduce our reliance on oil. After all the games were played with the special interests and the industries, the end result was a compromise bill that left SUV's and trucks out of the fuel efficiency equation and created enough loop holes for auto manufacturers that the long term impact was negligible.

An electorate worn down by the frustrating and disappointing Washington process would say, "At least its something." But an electorate that believes solutions should actually solve a problem, not dance around it, would pressure their leaders to go back and try again.

I'm not looking for negligible impacts. I understand some legislating requires accepting both good and bad items in a bill. What I don't understand is accepting legislation that was essentially written by the oil, gas and coal industries in private with Dick Cheney that misplaces our energy priorities in the old, dirty sources of the last century.

Posted at June 2, 2008 4:21 PM in response to Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

Hmm, I thought about that. Since I live in DC it really won't affect the outcome of the race if I vote Green. I am just a little disappointed by the lack of direction in the Green party at the moment. This is their time to shine, America is ready for real environmental leadership, where are they? I actually got so frustrated with the Greens I did a whole blog post about them!

http://www.greenpieceblog.com/2008/04/what-happened-to-our-green-party.html

Posted at June 2, 2008 1:28 PM in response to Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

Well, its hard to say exactly where his loyalties are as of now. It does appear that he has a weakness for clean coal and ethanol, which are just placeholders for next generation energy solutions, at best.

The reality is that we simply cannot rely on the federal government to come up with solutions on environmental challenges. I think more and more that the states are better equipped to find energy solutions that best fit their individual needs. However, the federal government does throw its weight around in the form of funding and its important that this funding is targeted to bring about the most progress possible.

The 2005 Energy Bill did not make responsible use of federal funding. The calls to use federal funding to expand coal use in the U.S. is not, in my opinion, responsible either. I want a clearer description of how these funds would be allocated under an Obama administration.

Posted at June 2, 2008 1:15 PM in response to Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

Isn't it just so frustrating, from the perspective of an environmentalist, that we can't seem to pass this threshold from rhetoric to REAL action?

The public is finally fully on board to start making these changes. We just need to put our foot on the accelerator and start building new energy policies that reflect what we've learned over the past three decades about the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems, the impact of diffuse sources of pollution on habitats and the economic value of our natural environment.

We've been coasting on the fumes of 1970's policies for too long and its going to take a very serious leader to stay focused on the goals without being distracted by the same tired threats peddled by industry.

Posted at June 2, 2008 12:40 PM in response to Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

Don't be ignorant. I can have an intellectual disagreement with Obama and support him at the same time.

That is the kind of leader Obama will be, someone who is willing to listen to those who have a different opinion.

But thanks for contributing your well-informed critique of my post.

Posted at June 2, 2008 12:11 PM in response to Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

You can see the links for all the information in my post here...

http://www.greenpieceblog.com/2008/05/green-mccain-where-are-votes.html

Posted at May 30, 2008 1:52 PM in response to Green McCain? Where Are the Votes?

That is the impression I get about "clean coal" as well. I know that the coal industry has successfully placed arguments in favor of coal technologies into the public debate. However, they cannot change the facts. I just think its time to turn the page on fossil fuels and begin thinking about all the other solutions that are available.

Posted at May 13, 2008 11:47 AM in response to Obama Supports "Clean Coal" in W. Virginia

I just wanted to leave a quick comment this morning thanking everyone for a really interesting policy conversation about the benefits and costs of "clean coal."

I published the post because although I supported Hillary in the primary, I am happy to now support Obama and I want to put pressure on him to remain progressive on issues related to the environment.

McCain is currently out there trying to steal the environmental mantle from the democrats. In a way, I'm glad. In the 1970's the two parties got into a competition over who cared more for the environment and we all benefited with consumer and environmental safety laws like NEPA, the amended Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, etc.

Regardless of McCain's attempts to re-market the Republican party as an environmentally friendly one, there is no doubt in my mind that Obama offers the opportunity for real leadership on this issue. Our responsibility is to share with him our views about which path is best. I deeply believe that more coal is taking the easy way out. Whether the Democrats nominated Hillary or Obama, neither would have been off the hook on this issue.

Anyways, thanks again.

In case you're interested, I posted on my blog about the 1970's and our environmental progress from that time here...

http://www.greenpieceblog.com/2008/01/with-obama-is-it-1970s-again.html

Posted at May 13, 2008 8:23 AM in response to Obama Supports "Clean Coal" in W. Virginia

You keep insisting that I trust your expertise on these issues. But then you provide information that is questionable.

On the migratory bird situation...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/common_misconce.php

Posted at May 12, 2008 5:06 PM in response to Obama Supports "Clean Coal" in W. Virginia