(This is the third in a five-part weekly series examining issues in this November's presidential election.)
With a best-selling book and a solid environmental record under his belt, Vice President Al Gore (D) holds a distinct advantage over Texas Gov. George W. Bush (R) as the two presidential candidates clash over environmental issues.
Bush and Gore participated in the third and final presidential debate last night at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Gore's plan calls for an Energy Security and Environmental Trust Fund, which will provide incentives for clean reliable sources of energy. The $150 billion dollar fund would give tax breaks to both companies and individuals who use more energy-efficient power supplies.
The Gore environmental plan also advocates the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol, negotiated by Gore himself, would create an international law aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
|
In contrast, Bush does not advocate the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Bush believes that the treaty is unfair to America because it exempts 80 percent of the world from complying with the treaty.
In addition to favoring a different approach to reducing the amount of greenhouse gases, Bush also advocates an extensive plan to clean up brownfields - abandoned industrial facilities.
While both candidates have their own distinctive solutions to the environmental problems of the country, the focus seems to be shifting to the differences in their environmental records rather than their proposed policies.
Throughout his political career, Gore has tried to identify himself with environmental issues and advocacy groups by co-sponsoring several environmental initiatives such as the Water Quality Act of 1987.
"Gore has a long and very supportive history of supporting the key environmental groups," said Larry J. Sabato, professor of government and foreign affairs.
In addition to his environmental legislation, Gore also authored the best-selling environmental book, "Earth in the Balance."
"We believe that [Gore] is the best environmental advocate," said Shalen Fairbanks, writer and editor for the League of Conservation of Voters, which has endorsed Gore's presidential bid.
Bush, on the other hand, is plagued by an environmental record in Texas, which has cost him the support of many key environmental groups.
"There's an over-reaching concern about Gov. Bush's record in Texas," said Deanna White, Sierra Club's deputy political director. "The environment appears higher on Gore's list than on Bush's."
The environmental groups are mostly concerned with Houston's title as the smoggiest city in America.
But the Bush camp contends that the governor has improved many of the aspects of the environment during his term, such as reducing industrial air emissions by 11 percent and reducing the release and disposal of toxic pollution by 43 million pounds.
Environmental groups also may favor Gore because he plays a more active role in environmental policy.
"Al Gore is much more likely to favor an activist Environmental Protection Agency that is engaged in rule making," said Scott Keeter, director of the center for public policy at George Mason University.
While Gore takes a more active role in environmental policy, Bush concentrates on individuals to voluntarily clean the environment.
"George W. Bush is much more likely to favor more informal enforcement and is less likely to rely on the EPA," Keeter said.
Read More
MLK III to focus on youth participation in politics as professor of practice
By Ford McCracken | 11 hours agoRestrictive voting laws are only one problem with voting today, according to King — the other is voter apathy. King even called the level of voter participation in U.S. elections “abysmal.”
New School of Data Science building opens with remarks and ceremony
By Cecilia Mould | YesterdayThe four-story, 61,000 square-foot building includes four classrooms and two seminar rooms, as well as a two-story central hub for hosting events.
Democratic Futures Project fellow Félix Maradiaga announces campaign to end arbitrary detention
By Caroline Hagood | YesterdayA public website for the campaign launched Friday, which Maradiaga says is the first step towards raising awareness.
