Joe Biden 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.

Joe Biden (D)

Summary: Believes the US must lead global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Supports an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050.

The Candidate Says: "There is scientific consensus that our climate is warming and human activity is driving it. Global warming not only has serious consequences for our environment, it poses a serious national security threat. We not only need to act at home to cap greenhouse gas emissions, we also need to work towards a global solution." (Campaign Website, 10 December 2007)

If Elected, The Candidate Would...:

• Institue a cap-and-trade system to trade the right to emit greenhouse gases
• Regulate carbon emissions
• Support investment into alternative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase fuel economy standards to reach 40 mpg by 2017 (however, note the last point in the following section)

In The Past:

• Sponsored a 2007 Senate resolution stating the need for the US to address climate change
• Co-sponsored the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act of 2007, which would require an 80% reduction of emissions below 1990 levels by 2050
• Supported an amendment to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which would have capped greenhouse gas emissions at 2000 levels by 2010
• Opposed an amendment on the Energy Policy Act which would have increased fuel economy standards to 40 mpg by 2015

Current Status:

• Came in 5th in Iowa caucus
• Came in 6th in New Hampshire primary
• Came in 3rd in Delaward primary
• Dropped out of the race in early February 2008

Other 2008 Presidential Candidates:

Democrats

• Hillary Clinton
• Christopher Dodd
• 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