Update: Mitt Romney dropped out of the presidential race on Feb. 7, 2008.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney isn't convinced humans are a big contributor to climate change, but he supports efforts that would cut greenhouse-gas emissions while pushing America toward energy independence. As governor of Massachusetts from January 2003 to January 2007, he got off to a promising start on a green issues, but then repeatedly angered the state's environmental community [PDF].
Key Points
- Acknowledges that climate change seems to be happening, but says it's unclear how much humans have contributed to the problem. Calls for policies that would boost energy independence and, as a byproduct, cut greenhouse-gas emissions.
- Says any international climate treaty would have to see all nations cutting emissions, unlike the Kyoto Protocol.
- Supports coal-to-liquid technology and calls it "clean." Ditto with coal gasification.
- Supports expansion of nuclear power.
- Supports increased oil drilling offshore in U.S. waters.
- Supports oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
- Calls for more ethanol, biodiesel, and other biofuels.
- Calls for more energy efficiency and conservation.
Video & Audio
Watch Romney talk about energy independence and climate change on CNBC on Feb. 8, 2007:
Watch Romney answer a question about mandatory caps on carbon emissions at a town hall meeting in Iowa on May 31, 2007:
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Comments View as Flat
hikerreese Posted 4:10 pm
13 Nov 2007
sounds like Bush
Remember when W said the US was addicted to oil but then went on to commit no change whatsoever. Romney's committed to drill in the ANWR though. That fixes things.
the only good thing about Mitt is that he would easier to defeat than Giuliani.
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amc89 Posted 1:15 am
14 Nov 2007
How he treats his dog
If anybody's wondering about his animal welfare views, this incident is telling:
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/2008/specials/romney/ ...
"Before beginning the drive, Mitt Romney put Seamus, the family's hulking Irish setter, in a dog carrier and attached it to the station wagon's roof rack. He'd built a windshield for the carrier, to make the ride more comfortable for the dog.
Then Romney put his boys on notice: He would be making predetermined stops for gas, and that was it.
As the oldest son, Tagg Romney commandeered the way-back of the wagon, keeping his eyes fixed out the rear window, where he glimpsed the first sign of trouble. ''Dad!'' he yelled. ''Gross!'' A brown liquid was dripping down the back window, payback from an Irish setter who'd been riding on the roof in the wind for hours.
As the rest of the boys joined in the howls of disgust, Romney coolly pulled off the highway and into a service station. There, he borrowed a hose, washed down Seamus and the car, then hopped back onto the highway. It was a tiny preview of a trait he would grow famous for in business: emotion-free crisis management."
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kwolph Posted 12:22 pm
15 Nov 2007
Energy Bill 2007
It is too bad that Mr. Romney is all talk and little action. All of the candidates say they want better climate control regulations, but few are willing to back current proposed standards like the 2007 Energy Bill.
While the Romneys of the world may come and go, global warming is here to stay until the proper regulations are passed by the Federal Government. There is still time to learn more about CAFE and RES standards and how fuel and energy upgrades will benefit the American economy and environment. Go to http://energybill2007.us to sign the petition for better climate control!
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TitanGreens Posted 1:21 am
17 Jan 2008
Romney in the 2008 Climate Cup
Mitt Romney can really divide people on environmental issues, but how does he fare against his Republican opponents? The creative do-gooders at TitanGreens.com had a little fun with this idea in the 2008 Climate Cup tournament. Which candidate survives the high-stakes tourney?
Check it out...
http://titancast.titantv.com/3301f43f7efa40118a52de2e15e7 ...
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