Where They Stand On: Energy
The Basics
•Boost biofuel subsidies, which have been linked to higher food prices?
•Cut greenhouse-gas emissions with a cap-and-trade system?
•Build more nuclear power plants in the U.S.?
McCain
•Would cut ethanol subsidies; offers $5,000 tax credit for zero-emission-car buyers
•Aims to cut emissions 60% from 1990 levels by 2050 using cap and trade
•Would build 45 new nuclear plants by 2030; supports storage at Yucca Mountain, Nev.
Obama
•His $150 billion energy plan would increase ethanol and other biofuel subsidies
•Promises to cut emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050 using a cap-and-trade system
•No new plants without unspecified security advances; opposes Yucca Mountain storage
The Big Question:
Should the U.S. unconditionally allow offshore drilling?
MCCAIN
YES: We must take advantage of our domestic oil and natural gas resources so that we do not continue to send half a trillion dollars overseas — some of it to countries that are openly hostile to America. But to achieve long-term energy independence as well as to halt global climate change, we need to diversify our energy resources beyond carbon-based fuels. We need to invest in nuclear power. We also have to work to bring to market renewable-energy technologies like wind, solar and hydro power. We must also invest in clean-coal technology and promote energy conservation.
OBAMA
NO: I am open to additional offshore drilling if it is part of a comprehensive, bipartisan energy package that invests in renewable energy and works to end the U.S. dependence on foreign oil. I will invest $150 billion over the next decade to develop renewable and alternative energy sources and create 5 million new jobs while ending our dependence on foreign oil. I believe we must invest in a range of new technologies, including wind power, solar power and next-generation biofuels.