With such interest in the upcoming election of 2008, we have highlighted some of the energy policies of John McCain and Barack Obama—oh, and Paris Hilton.
Obama Energy Policy:
Obama refers to his energy plan as “New Energy for America,” and, according to his website, it includes:
* Provide short term relief to American families
Obama will grant a $1,000 emergency rebate to help American families pay their higher energy bills (the money comes from oil companies).
* Eliminate our need for Middle Eastern and Venezuelan oil within 10 years
He wants to increase fuel economy standards; get 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on the road by 2015; create a new $7,000 tax credit for purchasing advanced vehicles; promote responsible domestic production of oil and natural gas.
* Create Millions of New Green Jobs
He intends to ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025; develop and deploy clean coal technology; prioritize the construction of the Alaska natural gas pipeline; create a “Green Vet Initiative” which trains war veterans to enter the new energy economy and gain green employment.
* Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Obama’s cap-and-trade policy will require all pollution credits to be auctioned, and proceeds will go to investments in a clean energy future and rebates and other transition relief for families; make the U.S. a leader on climate change.
McCain Energy Policy:
McCain refers to his energy plan as “The Lexington Project,” in honor of “the town where Americans asserted their independence once before,” according to McCain’s website. This project includes:
* Expanding Domestic Oil And Natural Gas Exploration And Production
According to McCain, “the current federal moratorium on drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf stands in the way of energy exploration and production.”
* Taking Action Now To Break Our Dependency On Foreign Oil By Reforming Our Transportation Sector
He will commit a $5,000 tax credit for each customer who buys a zero carbon emission car; $300 million prize should be awarded for the development of a battery package that has the size, capacity, cost and power to leapfrog the commercially available plug-in hybrids or electric cars; believes in Flex Fuels and Alcohol-Based Fuels as alternatives to gasoline
* Investing In Clean, Alternative Sources Of Energy
He will offer $2 billion annually to clean coal technologies; wants to build 100 new nuclear plants by 2030.
* Protecting Our Environment and Addressing Climate Change
He proposes a cap-and-trade system that would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions while encouraging the development of low-cost compliance options.
* Promoting Energy Efficiency
He plans on “Greening” the federal government and upgrading our energy grid.
Paris Hilton’s Policy:
Hilton’s policy doesn’t have an official name, but we can call it “Paris Hilton’s Super Smart Energy Plan,” and it includes:
“…limited off-shore drilling, with strict environmental oversight, while creating tax incentives to get Detroit making hybrid and electric cars. That way, the off-shore drilling carries us until the new technologies kick-in, which would then create new jobs and energy independence. Energy crisis solved. I’ll see you at the debates, bitches.”
Indeed, it will be difficult to make a decision come election day…
