Leadership or Politics?

All three candidates for president propose CO2 reduction legislation, but when the Senate takes up a version of the Warner-Lieberman bill this week, all of them will be on the stump and not participate in the debate. McBush said he "would not shirk the mantel of leadership", but will not be bothered to support a bill almost identical to his proposal except for what he calls insufficient subsidies to the nuclear energy industry. This bill is a step in the right direction as they say, but does not go far enough in reducing carbon emissions. Climate scientists think we must reduce carbon emission by 80% or more by 2050 to stand an even chance of avoiding climate catastrophe. Nor does the bill provide for 100% auctioning of pollution credits to generate revenue as proposed by Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA). The Obama and Clinton plans seek to meet the necessary level of reductions while also taking significant steps to improve energy efficiency, promote conservation and alternative energy, as well as nurture a green technology industry. Neither candidate has committed to speak in the Senate on behalf of these proposals during the debate on S.3036. The final primaries in Montana and South Dakota are held tomorrow.