Energy and Environmental Policy

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, December 23, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC -- Green Party leaders today said that Obama has the chance, when he becomes President, to take the lead on curbing global warming. In May, 2008, the Green Party's Eco-Action Committee announced a set of recommendations for environmental actions for the first 100 days as a guide for Green presidential candidates.

Greens are now promoting the "First 100 Days: Energy and Environmental Policy"

"This is the Green Party's holiday gift to the new administration -- a set of policies and actions that would place the US in the lead among nations fighting the advance of catastrophic climate change," said Wes Rolley, co-chair of the EcoAction Committee. "After the inconclusive results of the Poznan talks, President Obama has the opportunity to put the US at the forefront by the time nations meet again in Copenhagen next year."

"Evidence presented by climate experts in Poznan that alternative energy may not be sufficient to solve the crisis. The emphasis must shift more towards conservation, lowered consumption, and drastic reduction in car traffic. The steps taken against global warming and to repair the current economic meltdown must include all three," siad Mr. Rolley.

On December 10, the Green Party published six recommendations for economic recovery that included environmentally based public works, expanded public transportation, and other conservation-based measures

First 100 Days: Energy and Environmental Policy: Summary of major recommendations


No new coal fired-power plants; no new nuclear power plants; reduce by 90% the mercury emissions of coal-fired power plants by 2012; protect human health and the environment.in the disposal of coal-fired power plant wastes

Ban mountaintop coal removal; ban the dumping of mountaintop removal wastes in stream beds and valleys

Reduce CO2 and SO2 emissions by 80% by 2020


Provide incentives for industry and citizens to reduce energy use through conservation and generate more renewable energy sources; enact a mandatory 25% renewable energy mix in the national grid by 2015; encourage all states to do the same (using oil and nuclear subsidy funds); encouraging local energy generation


Increase Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to 60 mpg for cars and 45 mpg for light trucks by 2012


Set a national phosphorus standard for all US waters that will protect steams from nutrient growth; strengthen bacteria standards to protect human health


Require labeling of imported foods, foods with growth hormones, and foods produced by Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)


Stop export of any technology abroad for projects that involve fossil fuel or deforestation


Require that all federal agencies continue their policy of direct negotiation with Indian tribes on a government to government basis


Protect the rights of Environmental Justice communities to be free from new proposals for permits that would potentially increase their burden of toxic contamination, and prioritize these communities for cleanup