Why Relying on the Blue Party leads to Green Success

Within the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress, which finally boasts a Democratic majority, steps were taken to ensure that America ends its dependence on foreign oil and environmentally detrimental energy sources. The CLEAN Energy Act of 2007 (H.R. 6) seeks to limit subsidies granted to Big Oil companies, and change the focus of American energy production to more eco-friendly options such as renewable wind and solar energy. This is just the beginning for Democrats and the environment, as the 2008 Presidential hopefuls are already gearing up their platforms to include environmental reform in the United States.

Senator Barack Obama (Illinois) has a strong history of caring for the environment, stemming from his collegiate days in which he worked with City College in Harlem to encourage student recycling. Through his past and present work in Illinois, Obama has made changes to energy-efficiency requirements and factory emissions limitations. As part of his presidential campaign, he pledges to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles and factories by 2% each year after he attains office.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (New York) has additionally made advancements on behalf of the environment. During her time as a state senator, she has worked to ensure that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge remains free of oil drilling, as well as pressured her peers to ensure that energy bills include important and innovative clauses to guarantee the protection of the environment for future generations.

Former General Wesley Clark (Arkansas) also has the environment on his mind. Having included “combating global climate change” in his presidential platform, Clark promises to reduce emissions in America. In addition to this work, Clark invokes preservationist elements in his agenda intended to protect many of America’s natural resources such as national parks, forests, and wildlife.

The environment is no longer able to sustain our inefficient and irresponsible behavior, and in 2008 it is time to elect a leader that will work to ensure that the environment is a top priority. Luckily, Democratic candidates have already stepped up to the plate, and are willing and able to direct America into an environmentally-friendly future. What a great time to be a Democrat!

-Nicole Morgan