Times are changing. Our society is evolving. And with the economy the way it is and jobs leaving America, its easy to get fired up about things and think in terms of doom and gloom. The thing of the matter is, however, that for a savvy self-motivated individual, this might be the best climate ever to make money, and what is more, the new characteristics of the new economy, such as outsourcing, make it easier than ever to live the life we choose.

Jobs are disappearing, sure, but where are they going? Maybe you’re answer is India, China, and other faraway lands. Many people are grumbling about the loss of work for Americans, and as our large corporations that we love to hate struggle to remain competitive in their various marketplaces, they are choosing to source more and more work that is now in-house to outside providers.

But are they really sourcing out of the country? Well, kind of. What they are really doing is just moving the jobs out of house. They don’t necessarily care if they end up in India or Kentucky. They just don’t want to pay for employees who eat up office hours on Facebook to get the job done.

It’s easier and more economical to pass it on to an independent contractor and pay them a set fee, regardless of the hours. And that can be a good thing for both the environment and you.

Telecommuting is good for the planet. America is a country built around the automobile. We love our cars, and since we’re such a young country, most of what we see today did not exist before Henry Ford pushed the first clunker out of the factory. As a result, everything is far away. It’s hard to leave the house anymore without driving for a half an hour.

And now more citizens from around the globe are sitting behind a computer in their bedroom rather than driving across town or in some cases hours away, which means HUGE savings on fuel. This is an ideal economic evolution for the environment.

As for you – who doesn’t want to get their work done in half a day without leaving the house and then decide what to do with the rest of the day? Before you say there is no way to compete with foreign citizens who will work for a fraction of what you do, not so fast.

What foreign citizens lack is knowledge of Western culture, Western business ethics, and Western speaking skills. Companies are even willing to spend a premium to pay for people like you to do their work.

So, if you want a quick way to start making money, alleviating the stress of an economic meltdown, and saving the environment by completely cutting out the need to commute to work, get online and find out what services you can provide from your home.

Article writing, web design, marketing, admin work, and much more – just find out where the ceiling is in pay and charge more than others do. Don’t start off too high, but after you’ve built up a good reputation, ramp up your prices, deliver quality, and live your dream of being financially independent.

Welcome to the new millennium.

When you make purchases, are you careful to buy goods that are ethically sourced, Fair Trade, certified organic or made in the USA? Are you conscious of the path your dollars take once you’ve handed them over to a sales clerk or entered your credit card number in an online site? Do you care about where all of the materials used to manufacture the things you buy come from? If you answered yes to these questions, than you’re already on the road to becoming an ethical consumer, and following the principles of ethical consumerism when spending your hard earned money.

According to Knowmore.org (a site dedicated to raising awareness of corporate abuses and directing grassroots action against unsustainable corporate practices), Ethical Consumerism is “…a movement toward corporate reform, through which individuals recognize their own role in systems of oppression, and take personal steps toward resistance and positive change.” Ethical Consumerism encourages people to recognize the significance of collectively organized individual actions, and use that power to alter the landscape of traditional economic systems.

Knowmore.org encourages this kind of thinking by offering an online space for like-minded individuals to exchange ideas and find resources focused on combating corporate abuses. One useful tool on the organization’s site is called “Behind the Logos.” Knowmore.org assigns an “ethical rating” to global corporations like Volkswagen, American Express and De Beers that’s meant to help people understand where the products they purchase are sourced and manufactured, and whether the companies making those products are doing so according to ethical principles. With one quick click, you can find out that AT&T received positive ratings for Worker’s Rights, Human Rights and Environmental Issues, but has areas of concern around their Political Influence and Business Ethics.

Another resource for those interested in Ethical Consumerism is the Responsible Purchasing Network (RPN), an international network of buyers dedicated to socially responsible and environmentally sustainable purchasing. The RPN is a member-based organization that provides consulting services and resources for paid members, but also publishes helpful guides for the everyday consumer. You can download Responsible Purchasing Guides that provide information about purchasing sustainable products, finding environmentally-conscious vendors, and working with governments to introduce eco-friendly goods into your state’s procurement policies.

If you’re interested in learning about European businesses, UK-based Ethical Consumer is an organization that researches the social and environmental records of companies, publishes free buyers guides, and scores companies based on how well they’ve incorporated ethics into their business models. You can become a member of Ethical Consumer to gain full access to their resources and services, otherwise you might have to pay a fee to access some of the research and information that’s on the organization’s website.

By educating yourself about the consumer choices you encounter on a daily basis, you take control over how you use your spending power to transform business practices and the greater economy. Once enough people realize that they can impact the process by only giving their money to ethical businesses, than real change can take place. If people continue letting big companies off the hook, and spend money with those businesses who practice socially irresponsible manufacturing, who invest their money (which is really your money) in corrupt organizations and governments, and who ignore the working conditions of their laborers, than those companies will keep on acting unethically.

Spend your money wisely and make sure you educate yourself before you open your wallet!

President Barack Obama was sworn in as the nation’s 44th President on January 20, and while it obviously takes time for real change to happen (especially in an organization as large as the Federal Government), the administration is already hard at work when it comes to the environment. Many of us who supported and voted for President Obama did so with the understanding that he would address the environment in an honest, and non-partisan manner once elected. In looking over some of his first actions as President, it appears that Obama is sticking to this agenda, and that the environment is not going to be swept under the rug for another 4 years.

The EPA has serious work to do in the next few years, and Obama’s pick to head the organization shows that he is serious about not allowing politics to derail the process. By tapping Lisa Jackson – a career civil servant who has dedicated her professional life to protecting the environment – Obama sent a message that EPA will not be run by outsiders. Jackson worked for the EPA for 16 years, and spent another 6 years at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Having spent her career regulating greenhouse gases, pollution and hazardous waste, Jackson is well suited to tighten regulations and demand compliance from businesses used to the Bush Administration’s somewhat ‘lax’ environmental policies.

To introduce herself and her governing principles, Jackson sent a memo to the EPA staff on January 23 (the day Congress confirmed her to the post). In her memo, Jackson sums up the new philosophy of the EPA in stating the 3 core values that will guide the EPA:

1. To uphold Science as the backbone for EPA programs.

2. To not compromise the integrity of EPA experts in order to advance a particular regulatory outcome.

3. To follow the rule of law – to exercise policy discretion and follow the directives of Congress and the courts.

Before the Bush administration took over the EPA, I would have simply assumed that the organization was being run according to these policies; after watching science, ethics and legal mandates being tossed aside for the past 8 years however, it’s refreshing to know that Obama’s surrogates are returning rationality and science to the forefront of the nation’s governance.

In addition to these administrative changes, Jackson outlined the directions in which she plans on taking the EPA during her tenure. Over the next few years, Jackson is going to guide the nation towards a low-carbon economy by reducing carbon emissions and creating “green-collar” jobs. She wants to improve air quality and intends to comply with legal air quality standards and tighten regulations to close loopholes that allow polluters to side-step current laws.

Jackson also intends to clean up the nation’s Superfund sites, protect consumers, employees and the environment from risks posed by the introduction of toxic chemicals into every day products, and address the health of the nation’s streams, rivers, lakes, bays, oceans and aquifers. With the backing of an environmentally-focused President and the legislative support of Congress, Jackson should be able to address these basic issues and allow the EPA to fulfill its mission of protecting human health and the environment.

This post is Part 2 of my holiday gift to readers and to other environmental researchers and writers that spend their time trolling through the web in search of good sites.

Consumerism

GreenerChoices.org – Published by the folks who bring us Consumer Reports, GreenerChoices.org is an online initiative designed to inform, engage, and empower consumers about environmentally-friendly products and practices. The site includes product ratings, calculators, eco-label information and buying guides to help steer your eco-dollars in the right direction.

Knowmore.org – A resource for those looking for information on Ethical Consumerism. Initially compiled as a wiki by volunteers, Knowmore.org runs the “Behind the Logos” project to help consumers understand the corporate practices of the world’s most profitable companies.

The Center for a New American Dream - An organization with the mission to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice. The Center identifies environmental issues facing consumers and provides tools, resources and solutions to help Americans change their ways.

Directories & Guides

Local Harvest – Local Harvest is a comprehensive directory for?small farms, farmers markets, and sustainably grown foods. Whether you’re looking to find a farmer’s market where you’re going to be vacationing or are interested in learning more about CSA programs, you can find what you need by visiting the Local Harvest site.

MetaEfficient – Dubbed “the guide to highly efficient things,” MetaEfficient publishes lists of all kinds of highly efficient and green goods. From broad product categories like “Furniture,” to niche goods like earpods, MetaEfficient finds the most sustainable goods and delivers the scoop in their guides.?

The Green Guide?- Find out how to incorporate “green” into every area of your life with National Geographic’s Green Guide. The Green Guide is updated regularly with tips, products, companies, services and advice on going green, and is a reputable source of information for all things green.

Online Communities/Social Networks

Huddler’s Green Home – If you’re looking for a community full of like-minded eco-individuals, consider joining Huddler’s Green Home. You can submit product reviews, contribute to the site’s green wiki or engage in any number of green forums on this eco-focused social networking site.

MakeMeSustainable – MakeMeSustainable is an online community that provides individuals and businesses with the tools necessary to identify and accomplish their sustainable goals. Members can calculate and track their carbon emissions, encourage others to join the movement, and build a network of individuals, businesses and organizations that are committed to achieving a sustainable future.

People For Earth – People for Earth members work together to take action, learn, share, connect and collaborate on projects that promote eco-friendly living while addressing the serious issues related to the future of the planet. Community members can launch and join groups, post content, engage in debate and network with others who share their goals and ideals.

Research Resources

CorpWatch – The CorpWatch website is packed with information, links and research that citizens, journalists and organizations can use to hold corporations accountable for their actions. In an effort to aid researchers and keep an eye on big companies, CorpWatch provides news, analysis, research tools and action alerts about corporate practices around the globe.

The University of Michigan: Statistical Resources on the Environment – This no-nonsense site is a portal for statistical information related to the environment, global warming, climate change, pollution, alternative energy and other eco-topics. Use this site to find facts that back up your claims and fight propaganda and incomplete arguments with concrete data.

USGBC Green Building Links – The USGBC has compiled an extensive list of green and sustainable building resources. You can use this site to find organizations and governments that have implemented sustainable practices in the planning and development of their communities.

Think Tanks & Research Centers

RAND: Energy & Environment – RAND works to solve complex social, economic and governmental problems using scientifically-backed research and quality analysis. Drawing on multiple departments within RAND, the Energy & Environment group compiles research and works toward developing solutions that balance environmental concerns with economic development and social needs.

Union of Concerned Scientists – The Union of Concerned Scientists is a science-based alliance of citizens and scientists working together for environmental solutions and responsible change in government policy. Combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy, the Union of Concerned Scientists strives to achieve practical environmental solutions.

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Let me start by admitting that I am a total news junkie. I spend way too many hours researching, reviewing, investigating, bookmarking, and searching for information on all kinds of issues, especially those relating to all things green. In the year that I’ve been writing for GreenBuyGuide, I’ve compiled a list of 1000+ eco-based resources, blogs, organizations, companies and news sites that I use when researching upcoming blog posts.

When writing these posts, I try to find the most up-to-date, accurate and interesting research to support my claims and add credibility to our site. In doing so, I’ve noticed that it takes time to really know which sites offer reliable, substantive data, and which sites are compromised by political agendas, corporate sponsors, or incomplete offerings.

As a holiday gift to my readers and to the other environmental researchers and writers trolling through the web in search of good sites, I have compiled 2 blog posts packed with excellent eco-resources. As always, I am open to suggestions and appreciate learning what others out there already know about the eco-issues affecting our communities, nations, and world.

General Interest & Data Sources

Environmental News Network (ENN) – The Environmental News Network is a mainstream news site that publishes comprehensive environmental news in an easy-to-understand format.

EnviroStats – A good resource for statistics, fact-checking and research related to environmental (and other) topics. The site also includes links to government agencies, environmental organizations and eco-information portals in the US and Canada.

Treehugger - Treehugger covers all kinds of green issues, has a wealth of links and resources to check out, and is a great starting place for learning about a range of eco-issues. The site’s “How to Go Green” guides are particularly helpful.

Business & Corporate Governance

Business Ethics Magazine – An online magazine that examines the intersection of business and society, and rates companies based on their corporate responsibility and programs. You can find resources about corporate responsibility, including 19-years of lists of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens.

Coop America – Coop America’s mission is to harness economic power?the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace?to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. The Coop America site provides resources and tools to help businesses and organizations realize a greener future by leveraging their financial muscles.

GreenBiz – Concerned with aligning environmental responsibility with business success, GreenBiz offers over 8000 resources, (including daily news, feature stories, reports, checklists, case studies, and links to organizations) in an effort to educate and inform the public on these issues.

Government & Public Policy

EarthTrends – Committed helping drive responsible decisions by governments and individuals by providing accurate information on critical issues, EarthTrends offers the public a large breadth of statistical, graphic, and analytical data in easily accessible formats. EarthTrends is sponsored by government-focused organizations including the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Bank Group.

Environmental Protection Agency - Federal agency with a mission to, “protect human health and the environment.” I use the EPA to confirm information, learn about government programs and policies, and find how the government defines environmental issues.

FedStats - A search portal for official statistical information produced by the Federal Government. This site has several search options (by state, by agency, by topic), so you don’t have to know exactly which agency produced the information you’re seeking.

Science & Technology

Carbon Fund - The Carbon Fund site is packed with resources and information to help people and businesses reduce their carbon emissions. Start at Carbon Fund if you’re interested in basic information about carbon emissions, carbon offsets, or your carbon footprint.

EarthPortal – Governed by the Stewardship Committee of the Environmental Information Coalition (EIC), Earth Portal is a comprehensive resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment.

Seed Magazine - Though not entirely eco-focused, many of the science articles and sections in Seed Magazine intersect with environmental issues and current events.

Sustainability

Business for Social Responsibility – An organization that works with an extensive network of companies to develop sustainable business solutions and strategies for the business community.

Green Options – If you’re looking for blogs about sustainability and making sustainable choices, check out Green Options. The Green Options site includes a range of articles from the company’s network of environmental writers and bloggers.

Sustainable Communities Network – An organization that links citizens to resources and to each other in an effort to promote, build, and understand sustainable communities.

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Although the environmental movement has been around for years, many communities are just starting to understand the importance of incorporating green practices into urban planning, business practices, and governmental regulations. Large and small cities have started writing green policies into their planning and development codes, and citizens are petitioning to get green initiatives on local ballots.

By demanding the incorporation of green practices and environmental regulations in planning and development decisions, environmental advocates are affecting how sustainability is incorporated in their towns and cities. When looking at cities across America, it’s easy to see that there are plenty of cities who have been “going green” for years (such as Portland, Oregon), and other communities that are just stepping up to the green challenge. Regardless of what cities have done in the past, the fact that so many cities are taking steps to build sustainability into their communities is good for everyone. In an effort to find the greenest places in America, I’ve compiled a list of the greenest American cities using surveys from Country Home, SustainLane, Popular Science and Our Green Cities.

Methodology

Though focused on the same end result (the greenest American city), each of these 4 organizations used different criteria in determining what makes a city green. In compiling their list, Country Home looked at the official energy policies, green power, green buildings, and the availability of fresh, locally grown food in each community. I was disappointed that the Country Home data wasn’t explained in greater detail, but also found it interesting that the cities on their list were comparable to the cities selected by the other organizations.

Popular Science provides the detailed methodology used in determining their top 50 cities, which includes a ranking of sustainable practices in the Electricity, Transportation, Green Living (buildings, construction, development), and Recycling/Green Perspectives of each city. If you’re interested in learning exactly how Popular Science selected their 50 greenest cities, make sure you check out these case studies that break down the methodology used in the survey.

To figure out their list of sustainable cities, Our Green Cities applied their own “Index of Taking Sustainable Cities Seriously,” a checklist that looks at smart growth activities, land usage, transportation, energy policy, pollution, and sustainable projects taking place in each of the cities. If you’re interested in what makes a city sustainable according to Our Green Cities, you can read their definition here.

SustainLane applied an impressively comprehensive method of determining the greenest cities in America, and offers an in-depth explanation of their methodology on their website. Using primary and secondary research to compile their list, SustainLane analyzed data collected from NGOs, city and state governments, federal agencies, their own interviews and surveys, and public data sources (such as academic research and media studies) to find the top green cities in America.

And the Winners Are…

1. Portland, Oregon

2. Greater San Francisco Bay Area, California

3. Seattle, Washington

4. Chicago, Illinois

5. Boston/Cambridge

6. Boulder, Colorado

7. Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

8. Eugene, Oregon

9. Denver, Colorado

10. Albuquerque, New Mexico

The cities on this list have worked hard to incorporate green building practices, renewable energy sources, and innovative land use policies into their communities. Portland has 35 LEED certified buildings and strict limits on development, while San Francisco has planted fruit trees on city streets and made recycling a top-priority. If you’re interested in learning more about the eco-policies that guide these cities, check out the SustainLane rankings. SustainLane provides a wealth of information on each of their top 50 green cities, and you might just find ideas on how you can get your own city on the list in coming years.

Additional Resources on Sustainable/Green/Eco-Friendly Communities

Center for Sustainable Cities

Sustainable Measures: Sustainable Community Indicator Checklist

Regional Environmental Center Sustainable Cities Project

The Institute for Sustainable Cities

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During the Presidential campaign, Barack Obama touted the creation of green collar jobs as one of the primary objectives of his environmental agenda. If Obama stays true to his word, and Congress works with the new President to pass his green initiatives, I would expect a plethora of new green jobs to spring up over the next few years.

Some companies have already created green collar jobs, and there are plenty of people in America doing eco-related work today. To help environmentally comitted companies connect with the next generation of green employees, green-focused job sites have sprung up all over the Internet. If you’re interested in working for a company that is passionate about environmental issues, that develops green, cleantech and renewable energy technologies, or is looing to move into the green sector, you might find your next job on one of the following sites.

Coop America’s Green Business Network is a network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses that are focused on helping businesses with deep social and environmental commitments emerge and succeed in the marketplace. In addition to offering support and information to small and medium green-growing businesses, the Green Business Network has a job board with links to green job hunting sites.

Greenbiz.com is a news site that publishes information geared toward helping companies align their environmental responsibilities with business success.TheGreenbiz.com job board is populated with job openings from companies focused on implementing and promoting green, cleantech, and sustainable business practices.

Green Business is a news and information blog that highlights current events and news as it relates to green business, and technology. A section of the site is focused on green jobs, and you can find links to green job boards in various posts.

The Green Careers Center (formerly known as the Environmental Career Center) is an eco-focused job site that promotes green employment by connecting eco-employers with like-minded job seekers. Green Careers Center has been working for the betterment of the environment for over 25 years, and their job board reflects theircommitment in the quality and diversity of available positions.

Green Careers on MonsterTrak is the first green job site that is geared toward college students and recent graduates that are interested in finding green collar work. By partnering with job-giant Monster.com, green marketing guru ecoAmerica, and the Environmental Defense Fund, Green Careers on MonsterTrak offers a comprehensive list of entry-level, part-time and internship opportunities for green job seekers looking to jump into new roles.

Idealist is a global non-profit organization that promotes dialog and action between people and businesses interested in making this world a better place. While not all of theinformation on Idealist is green-centered, they have increased their green content and seem to be focusing more on environmental issues than they had done in the past. The Job Board on Idealist includes non-profit jobs, volunteer opportunities and internships all over the world.

RenewableEnergyWorld.com is a news and information site that strives to educate and inform people and companies on all issues related to renewable energy. RenewableEnergyWorld.com has a Job Board that helps green professionals track down jobs related to the development and production of renewable energy technologies.

Sustainable Business is a news and networking organization that promotes sustainable business practices and provides resources to help companies integrate sustainability in their business practices. Sustainable Business connectseco-employers that meet their “seal of sustainability” standard, with job seekers via the Green Dream Jobs board.

TreeHugger is a mainstream media outlet that prides itself on “helping the masses get hooked on sustainability,” by providing news, information, “how to guides, and multimedia related to green living. Users can search the Green Job Board for global environmental employment, just be aware that the search functionality is limited and doesn’t let you view all of the open positions at once.

Additional Sites

ClimateChange.org Job Board

Common Good Careers

Environmental Career Opportunities

Environmental Jobs

Green Collar Economy

Grist Jobs

Just Means

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So at last, the end is near. On Tuesday we will collectively change the course of America and elect either Senator Barack Obama or Senator John McCain as the next President of the United States. After 2 years of nearly non-stop campaigning, hundreds of millions of dollars spent on advertising, and near media saturation by both candidates over the past few weeks, the end is finally in sight.

As I sit here tonight listening to the American Roots “Singing and Swinging the Election 2008” radio program, I can really see that a revolution has been taking place in small towns, suburbs and big cities across this country. Sitting here, listening to Bob Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, and Ralph Stanley sing protest songs about rising up as a nation and taking back the reigns of power, I feel a sense of change is in the air. Revolutions don’t just happen -they require the commitment, strength, energy, funds, and sweat-equity of ordinary people. And at this time in our history, the ordinary people of this country are standing up for that in which they believe, and while we don’t all believe in the same things, the fact that so many people have taken the time to stand up for their beliefs is powerful.

It took me most of this year to really warm up to him, but in the past few months I have been increasingly moved by Barack Obama’s compassion and understanding of the American people, by his vision for the future of this nation, and by his plea for personal responsibility, engagement and support from each and every one of us. I appreciate the fact that Senator Obama is a populist – that he believes regular people can change the country for the better -? and that he seems to understand his greatest strength is the citizenry of this country. And while I am tired of the radio and TV commercials, annoyed by the glossy flyers that land in my mailbox, and repulsed by the daily attacks by both parties, I know that the end is near.

So here is my message to any and all reading this post – whatever you do on Tuesday, please make sure you VOTE! If you don’t vote, you give up your voice in the debate, and you relinquish a little piece of your personal power. Our government is “…of the people, by the people, for the people,” and in order to be included in the process, every eligible citizen needs to get out and vote! And while this post is not specifically related to the environment or green buying, the outcome of this election will very much impact the future of this nation and this planet’s environmental well-being.

I have already written about both Obama and McCain’s environmental viewpoints and policies, and I have no problem stating that a vote for Obama is a vote for responsible, scientifically sound environmental policies that will benefit all of our futures. With this election, you have the opportunity to do what is best for the the planet and all of its inhabitants, so do your civic duty and vote on Tuesday, November 4!

Here’s to hope and a community activist who really believes in the power of the people!

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So apparently the Bush administration has figured out a new way of getting around those tricky executive agency reports and recommendations – they simply ignore them! On June 25, the New York Times reported that the Bush administration decided they didn’t need to read the EPA’s report on carbon emissions, so they simply ignored the email containing the document.

Written in response to the 2007 Supreme Court ruling re: Massachusetts Et Al. v. Environmental Protection Agency Et Al., the EPA report concluded that greenhouse gases produced are harmful pollutants, a danger to people and to the environment, and must be controlled. Before the court handed down its April 2007 decision on the matter, the EPA had refused to determine whether greenhouse gases were pollutants and subject to regulations laid out under the Clean Air Act. Because of this (in)decision, the EPA promulgated a lack of regulatory authority over matters pertaining to the environmental impact of greenhouse gases.

In an effort to force the federal agency to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as pollutants, Massachusetts Et Al. (consisting of 12 states, 3 cities, 13 organizations and America Samoa) sued the EPA, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, National Automobile Dealers Association, Engine Manufacturers Association, Truck Manufacturers Association, CO2 Litigation Group, Utility Air Regulatory Group, and 10 carbon emitting states in federal court. Arguing that greenhouse gases are pollutants and must be regulated, as mandated under the Clean Air Act, Massachusetts Et Al. brought suit in an effort to force the EPA to begin regulating the pollutants.

In the 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court determined that the EPA must in fact make a determination as to whether greenhouse gases pose a danger to people and the environment:

In short, EPA has offered no reasoned explanation for its refusal to decide whether greenhouse gases cause or contribute to climate change. Its action was therefore arbitrary, capricious, . . . or otherwise not in accordance with law. We need not and do not reach the question whether on remand EPA must make an endangerment finding, or whether policy concerns can inform EPA’s actions in the event that it makes such a finding. We hold only that EPA must ground its reasons for action or inaction in the statute.

In response to the court’s findings, the EPA drafted a report which conclusively determined that greenhouse gases are pollutants according to the Clean Air Act, and must be regulated and controlled to avoid further harming people and environment. Once submitted to the White House for review however, the report ended up in a kind of email-purgatory, where it sat unread and lacking official status. I guess it would have been hard for the President to claim that Barney ate his email, so instead he just pretended that he never got the message.

So instead of being forced to read the report and accept the fact that it really is the EPA’s job to regulate carbon emissions, the administration, by stonewalling, prompted the EPA to go back and revise their original report. Since receiving the original report (but not reading it), the White House put pressure on the EPA to scale back their findings, and draft a new, less conclusive version. The new report reviews the legal and economic issues presented by declaring greenhouse gases a pollutant, but offers no recommendations and does not conclusively classify greenhouse gases as pollutants.

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With the 2008 Presidential primary election cycle in full swing, now is a good time to take a look at the remaining candidates’ environmental records and platforms. As there are only 3 serious candidates remaining (I don’t consider Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) a serious contender and choose not to give him space here), I thought it would be interesting and educational to see what each has to say on controlling greenhouse grasses, implementing alternative energy policies and cleaning up/protecting our planet.

Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY)
Hillary Clinton’s environmental policy is titled “Powering America’s Future: New Jobs, New Energy,” and she advances the free-market philosophy of fixing our environmental problems via economic incentives and the creation of new industries:

Hillary has a bold and comprehensive plan to address America’s energy and environmental challenges that will establish a green, efficient economy and create as many as five million new jobs.

Hillary Clinton lays out a fairly ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions, cap greenhouse gases, promote energy independence and infuse the economy with green funds by creating a $50 billion Strategic Energy Fund financed, in part, by oil companies. Clinton also outlines plans to increase fuel standards to 55 mpg by 2030, require federal buildings to be emissions-free by 2009 and promote green standards in the green building industry.

You can view Clinton’s entire plan here.

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)

After reading over Barak Obama’s energy and environment policies, his main focus in this area seems to be in reducing carbon emissions 80% by 2050. To achieve this goal, he would implement a cap and trade program, confront deforestation, invest in a clean energy future by increasing research into alternative fuels and infusing the workforce with green jobs, and setting the US on a path to energy independence.

Obama’s website is the most intensive in terms of outlining his environmental platform, and he is the most up-front of the other candidates in pointing to the causes of our worsening environmental problems: dependence on foreign oil and climate change. And while his plan is ambitious, you’d like to hope that his attention to detail on the matter may be what’s needed to affect change.

You can read more on Obama’s environmental plan here.

Senator John McCain (R-AZ)
From looking over John McCain’s website, it would appear that his campaign has little room for environmental issues. While McCain tries to impress that he is a ‘Steward of Our Nation’s Rich Heritage,’ he doesn’t actually include any substantive truths to back up that claim. And while McCain’s site states that:

Ensuring clean air, safe and healthy water, sustainable land use, ample greenspace – and the faithful care and management of our natural treasures, including our proud National Park System – is a patriotic responsibility. One that must be met not only for the benefit of our generation, but for our children and those to whom we will pass the American legacy.

- he doesn’t elaborate on what steps he would take to ensure these responsibilities are met. In looking over the rest of McCain’s site, it’s clear that while he has fully developed plans for Iraq, National Security, Immigration, Veterans and Health Care, his Environment section is a little light in terms of advancing true Green policies for the nation.

You can read McCain’s environmental policy here.

My summaries here are brief – I don’t have the time or expertise to truly dive into the intricacies of each candidates’ environmental platforms. Use the links provided to visit each of the presidential contenders websites and learn for yourself which of the candidates is realistically committed to addressing the nation’s environmental problems.