Kerry vs. Bush on the Environment

Clean Air

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry supports reducing pollution, including carbon emissions, from power plants and enforcing existing Clean Air Act rules for older plants

Kerry Introduced The Acid Rain Reduction Act. In his first year in the Senate, Kerry introduced the National Acid Rain Reduction Act to reduce emissions of acid rain-causing pollutants by setting new standards for coal-burning power plants and light trucks and establishing a fund to pay for reducing emissions [99th Congress, S. 1983, 12/18/85]

Kerry Opposed Rolling Back New Source Review. Kerry is opposed to the Bush administration’s efforts to roll back the “new source review” requirement in the Clean Air Act, which requires that older plants install pollution control equipment when expanding or upgrading their operations. [John Kerry Campaign Web Site, Environmental Issues]

Kerry Supported Delaying “New Source Review” Changes In The Clean Air Act. In 2003, John Kerry voted for an amendment to delay the new source review rule change pending a study of its effects on human health and pollution levels [108th Congress, H.J.Res. 2, Senate vote 12, 1/22/03]

Kerry Will Reduce The Bush/Cheney Clean Air Act Rollbacks, Fix Loopholes In NSR. As President, John Kerry will reverse the Bush-Cheney rollbacks of the nation’s clean air program and plug the loopholes that exist in the new source review program. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03]

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush proposed a rollback of Clean Air Act for older, polluting plants; his “Clear Skies” proposal would not reduce carbon emissions from power plants and would weaken existing laws.

The Bush “Clear Skies” Initiative Would Allow Polluting Facilities To Increase Their Emissions. The February 2002 “Clear Skies” initiative, failed to address emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary cause of global warming and also allowed individual facilities actually to boost their polluting emissions. Environmentalists maintain that the plan would raise sulfur emissions targets by up to 50 percent and delay by up to 10 years major cuts in sulfur emissions required by the Clean Air Act. It would allow millions of more tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and three times more mercury emissions than current law [NRDC, 6/15/03; Baltimore Sun, 9/7/01]

Bush Administration Weakened New Source Review. In November 2002, the Bush administration finalized rules to weaken new source review, a Clean Air Act provision that requires older plants to upgrade their pollution controls if they make significant renovations or expansions that would increase emissions of harmful pollutants [Los Angeles Times, 7/27/01; New York Times, 11/23/02]

Bush Will Continue To Push His “Clear Skies” Initiative. If reelected, Bush will continue to push his “Clear Skies” initiative, which environmentalists have said allows polluting facilities to increase their pollution emissions. [Bush Campaign Web Site, Issues: Environment]

Bush Plan To Fight Mercury Leaves Too Much Mercury In Air For Too Long. The Bush mercury proposal leaves too much mercury in the air for too long a period of time, said former Clinton EPA Administrator Carol Browner during a CNN News Night Interview. The EPA itself has stated that the technology exists to achieve a 90 percent reduction in five years, while the Bush proposal would achieve only a 50 – 70 percent reduction over 15 years (15 years from 2003). [CNN News Night, 12/3/03; http://cta.policy.net/epamercury.pdf]

Energy

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry has proposed a major energy plan that reduces our dependence on foreign sources of energy through alternative sources, creates jobs and protects the environment; led the fight to increase fuel economy standards for cars and trucks.

Kerry Supported Increased Funding To Research Alternative-Fuel Vehicles. As senator, Kerry has supported measures to boost funding for hydrogen fuel cell research and to give consumers incentives to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles. His legislative record includes votes against defunding renewable energy programs and for requiring ethanol content in gasoline. [106th Congress, S. 1186, Vote# 171, 6/16/99, 103rd Congress, H.R. 4624, Vote# 255, 8/3/94]

Kerry’s Plan For Cleaner Energy Will Create 500,000 New Jobs. Kerry’s cleaner energy plan will create more than 500,000 jobs in the next decade. Kerry’s energy plan includes a $20 billion Energy Security and Conservation Trust Fund that will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy by investing in clean and renewable energy technologies. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03; Bloomberg, 3/24/04]

Kerry Co-Sponsored An Amendment Proposing Increased Fuel Efficiency Standards. In an amendment to the 2002 energy bill, Kerry and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) proposed increasing fuel efficiency standards from 24 miles per gallon to 36 miles per gallon by 2015. [Detroit Free Press, 8 March 2002]

Kerry Supports Making America’s Cars More Efficient. John Kerry believes that all Americans should drive the cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks of their choice, but that these vehicles can be more efficient, safe and affordable. John Kerry believes that we need a strong and realistic fuel economy standard, coupled with tax incentives for consumers to buy the vehicles they want and incentives for manufacturers to convert factories to build the more efficient vehicles of the future. It will enhance national security, strengthen the American auto industry, and protect and create jobs. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03]

Kerry: Opposes Bush's energy bill. Supports a federal mandate on utilities to produce 20 percent of their electricity from such renewable sources as solar, wind and geothermal by 2020, already a requirement in California. Promises $10 billion for clean-coal technology. Opposes permanent storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Promoted higher fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks.

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush proposed an energy plan with clear bias towards corporate interests; pushed for a greater use of conventional polluting energy sources.

Bush Energy Plan Is A Massive Giveaway To Big Industry. The Bush energy plan gives billions in subsidies to the oil, gas coal and nuclear industries. The energy bill contains nearly $68 billion for the oil and gas industries, $10 billion in subsidies for the nuclear and electric industries and almost $8 billion to the coal industry. [Taxpayers For Common Sense Analysis of HR 6, 11/18/03]

Bush Energy Plan Slighted Renewable Energy Sources In Favor Of More Oil, Gas Drilling: President Bush’s national energy plan slighted clean, innovative, available renewable energy technologies—such as wind, solar and geothermal energy—in favor of more domestic oil and gas drilling, increased nuclear power production and an upsurge in coal production and use. [NRDC Report On Energy Plan, 6/01]

Bush Will Continue To Support Tax Incentives For Big Industry. If reelected, Bush will continue to supports tax incentives to increase energy efficiency like those seen in the energy bill. [New York Times, Campaign 2004, On The Issues: Environment]

Bush Will Continue To Oppose Raising Gas Mileage Standards. If reelected Bush will continue to oppose raising gas mileage standards for cars and light trucks. [New York Times, Campaign 2004, On The Issues: Environment]

Bush: Proposed an energy bill offering tax breaks and regulatory relief for the coal and oil industries and subsidies for nuclear power and ethanol. Opposed a federal mandate requiring utilities to produce 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020. Favors developing small nuclear plants. Has committed $2 billion for clean-coal technology.

Clean Water

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry opposes limited the authority of the Clean Water Act

Kerry Opposed Bush’s Efforts To Weaken Drinking Water Standards For Arsenic. John Kerry voiced strong opposition to the Bush administration’s attempt to weaken arsenic standards for arsenic, and he voted to prevent the administration from returning to a standard that would allow more arsenic in drinking water. [106th Congress, H.R.4635, vote # 270, 10/12/00; 107th Congress, H.R. 1836, vote # 148, 5/22/01]

Kerry Opposed Bush Attempts To Weaken Clean Water Act. Kerry has criticized the Bush administration for trying to exclude seasonal streams and so-called “isolated” wetlands from the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act and has co-sponsored legislation to affirm the “historic scope” of the law. He has also pledged to renew the federal government’s commitment to “no net loss” of wetlands. [John Kerry Campaign Web Site]

Kerry Will Aggressively Fight To Reduce Mercury, Toxic Emissions. As President, Kerry will take aggressive action to meet ozone and particulate air quality standards, stop acid rain and reduce mercury emissions. John Kerry will move aggressively to meet ozone and particulate air quality standards and address acid rain by asking Congress to establish a hard “cap” on overall nitrogen oxides and sulfur emissions for large industrial sources (not just utilities, which are the focus of current legislation). Kerry will establish a compliance deadline that is more significantly more ambitious than Bush’s misnamed Clear Skies program. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03]

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush proposed limiting the authority of the Clean Water Act

Bush Proposed Limiting The Clean Water Act. In early 2003, the Bush administration proposed sweeping changes to the Clean Water Act that not only would exempt 45 percent of rivers, lakes and streams that remain polluted, but also would put more than 30 years of clean water progress at risk. In January 2003, administration officials began requiring Corps of Engineers and EPA regulators to seek permission from Washington, D.C. before they enforced clean water rules for “isolated” waters, including wetlands and seasonal streams. [Los Angeles Times, 1/10/03]

The Energy Bill Supported By The Bush Administration Created $29 Billion Liability Waiver For Producers Of MTBE. The Energy Policy Act establishes a “safe harbor” for MTBE producers by nullifying all lawsuits by cities, states and other entities seeking compensation for groundwater contamination filed after September 5, 2003. The liability waiver included in the Energy Policy Act of 2003 is estimated to protect MTBE producers from an estimated $29 billion in clean up costs. [HR 6 Title XV Sec. 1502 p. 21.]

Bush Says He Will Work To Pass Legislation To Improve Water Quality. If reelected, Bush says he will implement a farm bill to enhance the ability of America’s farmers and ranchers to protect wetlands, water quality, and wildlife habitat. [George Bush Campaign Web Site, Issues: Environment]

Drilling in the Arctic

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry led the fight against opening up the Arctic Refuge to drilling.

Kerry Has Led The Fight Against Opening Up The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge To Drilling. Calling the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge “a national treasure,” Kerry has been a leader in the Senate against Republican attempts to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling. [Associated Press, 3/19/03]

As President Kerry Will Oppose Opening Up The Arctic Refuge To Drilling. If elected President, John Kerry will fight to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. [John Kerry Campaign Web Site]

Kerry: Opposes new offshore oil drilling in areas with existing moratoria, which includes California.

Kerry: Opposes drilling in the Arctic refuge, the only Arctic region off- limits to drilling. Favors development in the National Petroleum Reserve and on millions of acres of public land in the West already available for leasing.

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush supports drilling in the Arctic refuge and other sensitive areas.

Bush Supports Drilling In The Arctic: President Bush made oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge a central feature of his national energy plan, despite the fact that the refuge’s coastal plain houses large concentrations of wildlife, including caribou, polar bears and migratory birds. [Environmental News Network, 6/29/01; Reuters, 9/19/02]

Bush Will Continue To Support Drilling In The Arctic. If reelected as President, Bush will continue to support drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge [New York Times, Campaign 2004, On The Issues: Environment]

Bush: Denied California's request to buy back 36 oil-drilling leases already sold off the Santa Barbara coast.

Bush: Supports first-time oil drilling in the Arctic refuge. Favors increasing oil production to the west of the refuge in the National Petroleum Reserve and expanding gas production in the Rocky Mountains and Alaska.

Global Warming

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry Strongly supports policies (like increased fuel efficiency) that would reduce greenhouse gases; supports re-engaging with the international community to go beyond Kyoto

Kerry Cosponsored Legislation With Senator McCain To Increase Fuel Efficiency Standards. In an amendment to the 2002 energy bill, Kerry and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) proposed increasing fuel efficiency standards from 24-miles-per-gallon to 36 miles-per-gallon by 2015. [Detroit Free Press, 3/8/02]

Kerry Has Worked To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Address Global Climate Change. In 2001, Kerry introduced legislation to “speed national action to address global climate change.” Kerry also successfully attached an amendment to the 2001 Bush budget package to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address global climate change concerns, protect the global environment, promote domestic energy security and to provide increased funding for voluntary programs that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” [107th Congress, S. Amdt. 249 to S. Amdt. 170, 4/6/01]

Kerry Supports Reengaging In The Development Of An International Climate Change Strategy. Kerry believes that in the United State’s absence from the Kyoto Protocol, many major trading partners in Europe and elsewhere have been working on the details of international programs to manage greenhouse gas emissions. American interests are on thesidelines, having no ability to influence the development of a system that will profoundly affect the global approach to resource protection and investment in climate change technologies—issues in which American companies who conduct business around the world have a vital interest in. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03]

Kerry: Supports the polluter-pays principle, and wants to reinstitute the tax on oil and chemical producers.

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush abandoned Kyoto Treaty for further “study” of global warming; supports only minimal and voluntary reductions, cut global warming discussion from recent EPA report on the state of the environment

Bush Rejected Kyoto Climate Treaty To Reduce Global Warming. President Bush has steadfastly rejected the Kyoto climate treaty, negotiated in Japan in 1997, which calls for 38 industrialized countries to make cuts in greenhouse gas emissions [Time Magazine, 3/26/01]

The Bush Plan To “Reduce Emissions” Would Actually Increase Them. In February 2003, the Bush administration announced a new, voluntary initiative aimed at reducing “emissions intensity”—defined as CO2 pollution relative to economic output. Environmentalists pointed out that, with expected economic growth, total emissions will actually increase under the Bush plan. [World Resources Institute, 2/12/03]

Bush Will Continue To Keep The United States Out Of The Kyoto Protocol. If reelected President, Bush will continue to reject the Kyoto Treaty on limiting global-warming gases, because it does not apply to China and other developing countries. Bush also said the treaty could hurt the nation’s economy. [New York Times, Campaign 2004, On The Issues: Environment]

Bush: Opposes the "polluter pays" principle, a tax on oil and chemical companies to pay for the cleanup of abandoned toxic-waste sites, in effect since the program's start in 1980. Congress allowed the tax to expire in 1995, and last year the trust fund ran out of money. Cleanups have fallen by nearly half since Bush took office. The budget projects nearly all cleanup funds coming from taxpayers.

Public Lands

THE KERRY RECORD: Kerry supports wilderness protection and funding for federal land purchases, opposes the “Healthy Forests” plan.

Kerry Strongly Supported The Land And Water Conservation Fund. Kerry has strongly supported the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which provides funding to buy land for national parks, forests and wildlife refuges as well as for state parks [John Kerry Campaign Web Site]

Kerry Will Reinvest In The Land And Water Conservation Fund. As President, Kerry will take royalties obtained from extracting resources from the public lands and put the money back into protecting our lands and special places. [John Kerry’s Comprehensive Vision for a Cleaner Environment, a Stronger Economy, Healthy Communities, 10/03]

Kerry: Says Bush's proposed "roadless rule'' jeopardizes critical habitat in the national forests. Wants to put back protections removed from the Clinton rule, citing overwhelming support by scientists and the public.

THE BUSH RECORD: Bush limited the amount of land eligible for wilderness protection and cut back on federal land purchases

Bush Limited Land Eligible For Wilderness Protection. In April 2003, the Interior Department announced they would halt the process of reviewing the 262 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for potential protection as wilderness and would restrict the amount of BLM land eligible for such protection nationwide to wilderness areas and wilderness study areas designation prior to 1993. This change in policy leaves more than 200 million acres nationwide without protection from mining, oil and gas development and off-road vehicle use—activities that could make them permanently ineligible for future wilderness designation. [Chicago Tribune, 4/13/03; New York Times, 5/4/03; Sacramento Bee, 7/22/03]

Bush Will Support Increased Logging In National Forests. If reelected, President Bush will continue to support increased logging in national forests as way to prevent wildfires. [Boston Globe, Campaign 2004, Issue: Environment]

Bush: Won congressional support for an initiative opening 20 million acres of national forests to logging, saying it would promote forest health and resistance to catastrophic wild fires. Repealed the Clinton-era "roadless rule," which banned road-building in nearly one-third of the nation's forests; under the Bush proposal, governors may petition the federal government to retain protections on national forests in their states.

Wetlands

Bush: Changed a Clinton-era regulation that required power plants to use the best technology available to prevent sucking up about a trillion fish a year and, instead, allows operators to make up damage by providing new wetlands or hatchery fish. Citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision, limited the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from regulating the filling or polluting of millions of acres of wetlands not directly connected to larger water bodies. Pledged to seek more money in next budget to create and protect at least 3 million more wetland acres over the next five years.