BARACK OBAMA – POSITION SUMMARY

The League of Conservation Voters has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for President because his plan to stop global warming pollution will break America’s addiction to oil and will create jobs across the country.  Moreover, Sen. Obama’s plan is more than words, it is backed by a strong environmental voting record and forward-looking policy proposals for America’s renewable energy future.

In his time in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Obama has been a consistent supporter and co-sponsor of pro-environment legislation, serving as a strong advocate for the environment.  In the Illinois Senate, then State Sen. Obama earned a 100 percent “Environmental Voting Record Award” from the Illinois Environmental Council in 2003¹, which highlights his commitment to the environment at every step of his political career.

Obama has shown strong commitment to renewable energy. From 2005 to 2007, LCV scored 12 key oil-related votes, and Sen. Obama voted pro-environment every single time, making it back to Washington in the midst of the presidential primary campaign last year to cast his vote in favor of renewable energy². Sen. Obama has set a strong goal of getting 25 percent of our electricity from clean energy by 2025.³

Obama committed to cutting America’s addiction to oil and creating new green collar jobs.  Sen. Obama has proven this commitment to renewable energy by voting to repeal tax credits for Big Oil and to override the filibuster against the renewable electricity standard.⁴ Sen. Obama’s plan will help create 5 million new green collar jobs, through investments in renewables, fuel economy and energy efficiency.⁵

Obama’s votes on global warming and his policies show leadership and science-based solutions.  Sen. Obama understands the threat of global warming and the urgent need for action.  He plans to use the revenue from the emissions allowance auctions to support development of clean energy and to address transition costs, including helping workers adjust.⁶

Obama proved his support for raising CAFE standards by voting to support new, higher standards, and by discussing the issue in speeches to special interest groups.  Sen. Obama has voted purposefully and persistently to raise fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, and gave a bold speech to the Detroit Economic Club about the need to raise auto efficiency standards.⁷ He has set a strong goal of doubling the fuel efficiency of our cars in 18 years, which would reduce oil consumption by at least 35 percent, or 10 million barrels per day.⁸  Sen. Obama  has not pandered to Big Oil with a gimmicky gas tax holiday.

Unlike McCain, who has flip-flopped on the issue, Obama has stood firm against pressure from Big Oil to drill in our sensitive coastal waters.  As Sen. Obama looks to the future in supporting the use of renewable energy, increasing CAFE standards, and implementing a mandatory cap and trade on emissions, he knows we cannot achieve these goals while maintaining our addiction to oil.  In 2006, Sen. Obama rejected efforts to open up 8 million acres off the coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana for oil and gas drilling.⁹ Even today, Sen. Obama has continued to be honest with the American people, opposing efforts such as offshore drilling and gas tax holidays which pander to Big Oil but do nothing to help reduce gas prices.¹⁰

As part of his long-term commitment to public health and environmental justice, Obama has repeatedly voted to ensure clean water for all Americans.  In 2005, Sen. Obama voted in favor of an amendment that would include $900 million over six years to manage flooding and pollution caused by runoff from roads and highways in the transportation bill.¹¹  He also voted to reject an EPA rule that would delay enforcing meaningful reductions in mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants.¹²

For footnote citations, please visit www.lcv.org/footnotes/obama.html