On Earth Day, I made a call to Obama to step it up on environmental issues, especially those having to do with climate change. The senator’s support in January of the Coal-to-Liquid Fuel Promotion Act of 2007 generated the ire of many environmental groups and raised skepticism that Obama might not be the “new kind” of politician he wants so desperately to be.
I wish I could report that Obama had retracted his support of the dirtiest fossil fuel out there, or at least issued a cogent defense of his position. But unfortunately, the bill trudges on, as does the criticism from climate advocates. Young people are paying attention to Obama’s positions on climate and energy, and Obama needs to realize that we have high standards. We want to support him – really – but for many of us, climate change is a make-or-break issue in 2008. We need to be confident that our next president realizes the severity of the situation and is willing to take strong, even controversial, positions to save our climate.
Coal-to-liquid is one of several technologies in recent memory that have tried to stretch the definition of “alternative fuel” in the name of energy independence. Experts are in disagreement about whether coal-to-liquid technology breaks even or is a negative in terms of carbon, although all agree that it does much more harm than renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.
As Mark Gunther says in a post cross-posted at The Huffington Post, “[Obama] is undermining his own claim to be above politics, to be the kind of leader who looks beyond narrow, parochial interests to do what’s right for all Americans.” He goes on to say, “I take no pleasure is saying that this will damage Obama. I read his autobiography, Dreams From My Father, a few months ago, and came away very impressed. I want to believe that he is a different kind of political leader.”
I couldn’t agree more. Coal is emerging as a test for Obama: he can either give in to the powerful coal lobby in his home state or prove his mettle as a new breed of politician. For the sake of both the climate and Obama’s chances to make it to the White House, I hope he has the courage to pass this test.
Proving His Mettle and Passing the Test
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Thanks for keeping the pressure on Erin. I actually don’t hear or see a lot of awareness about this issue amongst the Obama youth movement on Facebook or SFBO’s blog. Offering a positive critique of Obama and his policies is something that we hope to do through Barack the Youth Vote and on this blog, so thanks for taking this issue up.
There’s been talk about creating a petition about this issue to present to the Obama campaign, but it hasn’t manifested yet. Keep us posted on how things are shaping up from your angle.
thanks again~
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[…] 25th, 2007 by Erin Kenzie Several weeks ago, I criticized Obama’s support of liquid-to-coal technology as an indication that he might not take climate […]
Obama has stated publically that he will support CTL technologies IF they comply with a 20% reduction in emissions fro conventional fuel.
“However, unless and until this technology is perfected, Senator Obama will not support the development of any coal-to-liquid fuels unless they emit at least 20% less life-cycle carbon than conventional fuels. If an amendment is offered on the Senate floor that would provide incentives for – or mandate the use of – coal-to-liquid fuels without these environmental safeguards, Senator Obama will oppose the amendment.”
which can be found in a statement from the Obama campaign published here:
http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/6/12/224210/445
hope this helps!
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Obama has stated publically that he will support CTL technologies IF they comply with a 20% reduction in emissions fro conventional fuel.
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