SavethePacificIslands

In the run up to the US elections on Tuesday, it’s useful to have a quick look at Obama and McCain’s energy policies. President Bush’s administration has been widely criticized for developing backwards, in terms of the US’ environmental protection measures and blocking Kyoto was but one of the many things that the world could have did without.

Both candidates vow to take the US into a greater leadership role on environmental issues. Supporting a cap-and-trade scheme to curb US greenhouse gas emissions is on both candidates lists, with Obama promising 80% less CO₂ by 2050 and McCain lagging behind with 60%. Energy efficiency is also an important issue. Americans will get tax credits if they purchase cleaner cars but only Obama plans to tighten vehicle efficiency standards. However it doesn’t seem that America will be making much progress in the renewable energy sector. Obama is aiming for national renewable energy production of 10% by 2012 which is lower than nearly all the EU countries, whicle McCain seems to be content in providing tax incentives.

The good news is that the US will most definitely improve on the energy policies of the Bush administration but experts warn that with the current financial and economic slump, the priorities of whoever may win, is likely to change, thus putting climate change and environmental issues on the back burner. US support for these issues is not yet a done deal and they still to need to make concrete promises learn that sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the greater good.

http://www.euractiv.com/en/opinion/
experts-eu-temper-hopes-us-climate-push/article-176788