Christopher Dodd For President In 2008

Update: No longer in the race for Democratic nomination 

Environmental issues (more specifically, climate change) have a real presence in the upcoming presidential election. According to a survey conducted by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute, 93.1% of respondents said they would be more likely to support a candidate whose platform includes a plan to improve the environment. But where do each of the candidates stand? Because, let's face it...some will be champions for the environment. And others will not be.

Christopher Dodd (D)

Summary: Supports a carbon tax to promote alternative energies and reduce emissions, an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, and an increase in car fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg by 2015.

The Candidate Says: "I believe that turning back the clock on global warming and reducing our dependence on foreign oil must be dual goals of any commonsense energy plan. Thankfully, there are existing and exciting new technologies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil while reducing global warming risks. My administration will focus on these technologies." (Conversation with Grist.org, 2 August 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

• Reduce 80% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
• Address national security issues and eliminate US dependence on Middle East oil by 2015
• Enact a carbon tax
• Increase efficiency standards for consumer products
• Raise car fuel economy to 50 mpg by 2017
• Impose tough standards for new coal plants
• Increase access to mass transit systems

In The Past:

• Co-sponsored the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007, which would require an 80% reduction of emissions below 1990 levels by 2050
• Voted yes on an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which would have capped greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels by 2010
• Voted yes on an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2003, which would have increased car fuel efficiency standards to 40 mpg by 2015

Current Status:

• Came in 7th in Iowa caucus, 8th in New Hampshire, and 5th in Michigan
• Dropped out of race mid-January
• Has endorsed Senator Barack Obama

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats

• Joe Biden
• Hillary Clinton
• John Edwards
• Mike Gravel
• Dennis Kucinich
• Barack Obama
• Bill Richardson

Republicans:

• Rudy Giuliani
• Mike Huckabee
• Duncan Hunter
• John McCain
• Ron Paul
• Mitt Romney
• Tom Tancredo
• Fred Thompson