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Presidential Candidates Side with California, Not Bush on Clean Cars Global Warming Takes Center Stage in Sierra Club Virtual Town Hall, Reagan Library Debate Washington, D.C.- The Sierra Club has long supported California's Clean Car bill through grassroots and legal action. Now, the Presidential candidates of both parties have all taken a further step away from the Bush administration by opposing the unlawful decision to deny California the Clean Air Act waiver that will allow it and at least 17 other states to proceed with landmark global warming emissions standards for vehicles. Last night the campaigns of both leading Democratic candidates reiterated the importance of the California waiver issue during the Sierra Club's Virtual Town Hall, held the evening of January 30th. The Republican Candidates all also spoke on the issue during last night's CNN Debate. "We are gratified that the leading Democratic contenders took the opportunity to address hundreds of Sierra Club members just days before millions of Americans head to the polls in two dozen states, and we are pleased that all the Republican candidates spoke in favor of clean cars at last night's debate, " said Cathy Duvall, Sierra Club's National Political Director. "In the face of a seven year assault on the environment, it's refreshing that all the candidates said they would not only let states move forward with their own clean energy policies, but will make America a leader in moving past the dirty, outdated energy technologies of yesterday toward the new energy economy of tomorrow."
Republican candidates defy Bush administration on waiver issue during CNN Debate Under questioning from Janet Hook of the Los Angeles Times during a debate held January 30th at the Reagan Library, each of the Republican contenders for president stated that California and other states should be allowed to proceed with their own global warming emissions standards for cars-even if those standards are stricter than federal standards. "This just goes to show you how out of touch the Bush administration really is," said Duvall. "First prominent governors from both parties, then the Democratic candidates, and now every single presidential candidate from the president's own party have said firmly and unequivocally that his administration was wrong to block California and the other states from moving forward. It's especially significant that the Republican contenders did so during arguably the most important debate of the campaign." Senator John McCain: "I applaud the governor's efforts and that of other states in this region and other states across America to try to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change." Governor Mitt Romney: "Well, I side with states to be able to make their own regulations with regards to emissions within their own states." Governor Mike Huckabee: "Let me tell you why I believe that Governor Schwarzenegger ought to be able to carry out the plan, because, if he's right, every other state is going to copy him." Rep. Ron Paul: "Yes, I think California should do what they want, and we all recognize that." __________________ Democrats Focus on Waiver Issue During Sierra Club Virtual Town Hall The Democratic contenders, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, have both committed to immediately overturn the Bush administration's decision and have co-sponsored Senator Barbara Boxer's legislation (S.2555) to do so. The Democratic campaigns reiterated the importance of the California waiver issue during the Sierra Club's Virtual Town Hall, held the evening of January 30th. The unprecedented meeting brought together hundreds of Sierra Club members in key battleground states. The call began with recorded messages from Senators Clinton and Obama followed by extensive question and answer periods featuring noted advisors to each campaign. Howard Learner, a prominent environmental lawyer, represented the Obama campaign, while Carol Browner, EPA Administrator for 8 years under President Clinton, took questions for the Clinton campaign. The surrogates from both campaigns described their candidates' specific positions in support of California receiving its waiver, and reduction of global warming emissions 80 percent by 2050 with 100 percent auction of carbon emissions permits. All of the leading presidential candidates from both parties were invited to participate in the Virtual Town Hall; the Republican candidates did not accept the Sierra Club's invitation to participate in the gathering. ### |
