Senator Joseph Biden (D)

NATURAL HERITAGE

Oceans: Marine Life [click here to read question nineteen]

"I agree that we must work to conserve our ocean and marine ecosystems. Throughout my tenure in the Senate I have worked to preserve Delaware’s wetlands, waterways and coastline. I have been proud to cosponsor the Oceans Act and to join my colleagues in urging President Bush to alter his environmental policies and more actively protect the nation’s wetlands, streams and coastline. I have also joined legislation that will limit mercury contamination and worked to protect whales and dolphins. My administration would be committed to the health of our oceans and marine life."

Oceans: Offshore Drilling [click here to read question twenty]

"I have opposed expansion of offshore oil and natural gas drilling and voted against allowing new oil and gas drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Our focus should be on reducing our need for oil – which is where real national energy security lies – not in drilling for more. We can’t drill our way to energy independence."

Endangered Species Act [click here to read question twenty-one]

"I support the Endangered Species Act and oppose efforts to weaken it. Throughout my career I have stood firm to protect the habitat for threatened species and wildlife and have successfully fought efforts to roll back the Endangered Species Act."

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [click here to read question twenty-two]

"I have consistently fought to protect the Artic National Wildlife Refuge and have been a proud cosponsor of legislation that would designate the coastal plain as protected wilderness. We must protect its diverse wildlife and fragile ecosystems. As I stated above – the focus of our energy policy should be on reducing oil consumption."

National Forest Roadless Areas [click here to read question twenty-three]

"I have long been concerned about our wilderness being depleted by accelerated logging and land development – as reflected in my many votes to protect our forests. The 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule was an important step in managing road construction on forest lands and conserving valuable forest lands. I support its reinstatement."

Mining [click here to read question twenty-four]

"I am proud to have played a leading role in pushing reform of the antiquated 1872 Mining Law. It is an outrageous rip-off that should stop. Mining interests should pay their fair shares to the American taxpayers for the rights to federal land. We should reform the law to safeguard resources and end the practice of completely taxpayer subsidized cleanup of these sites."