Senator Chris Dodd (D)

Global Warming and Energy

Mandatory Emission Caps [click here to read question five]

“My energy plan, which can be found at www.chrisdodd.com, specifically calls for an 80% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the strongest achievable standard of any candidate for President. I will not simply wait for legislation to achieve that goal, but make it a priority of the Dodd Administration from my first day in office. I will not hesitate to direct the EPA to achieve those reductions if Congress fails to act.”

International Action on Global Warming[click here to read question six]

“For all its flaws, it was a disgrace that this Administration abandoned the Kyoto Protocol. In a Dodd Administration, America will lead the world in reversing the effects of global climate change, convening an International Global Warming Summit. In addition, I will insist we share the same renewable energy technologies that will make America energy independent with other nations, so never again will countries be dependent on oil bribes from Iran’s Ahmadinejad and Venezuela’s Chavez. Instead, they will provide new markets for American goods and services, creating conditions for democratic principles to take hold.”

Fuel Efficiency Standards [click here to read question seven]

“The Dodd Administration will use its administrative authority to increase CAFE standards in America to 50 miles per gallon by model year 2017. In so doing, I believe we won’t be punishing America’s auto industry – but saving it.”

Renewable Energy Standards [click here to read question eight]

“I strongly support substantially increased investments in biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel produced on our farms. Under the Dodd Administration, we will reach the goal of renewable fuel usage in cars and homes at 8.5 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2008 and steadily increasing to 36 billion gallons by 2022. By 2016, an increasing portion of renewable fuels would be advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol, biobutanol and others. The Dodd Administration will also increase the renewable electricity standard to 20% by 2020. Just as importantly, I will require that all biofuels be produced in a sustainable way consistent with driving down carbon emissions, from production to use.”

Efficiency Standards [click here to read question nine]

“I will use the power of the presidency to increase efficiency standards for consumer products. The Dodd Administration would adopt the strongest available standards for appliances, light bulbs and other electricity powered consumer products to reduce energy costs for consumers. We will freeze electricity usage from 2010 onward through enhanced efficiency. Just as critically, I will ensure every penny of revenues from my Corporate Carbon Tax—estimated at $50 billion annually—go into a trust fund that invests in renewable and energy efficient technologies – bringing costs down for consumers and businesses.”

Nuclear Energy [click here to read question ten]

“If we are going to be honest about our children’s future, then we have to have an honest discussion about global warming. And you can’t have that discussion without talking about nuclear power – not when we still derive 50 percent of our electricity from coal. In a Dodd Administration, I will initiate a thorough review of federal energy subsidies to explore whether they produce the desired results. I have fought to direct funds from NRC fines on nuclear plants to local communities harmed by nuclear mismanagement. And I will continue aggressively explore ways to apply 21st Century technology to make energy sources such as nuclear power as safe, secure and environmentally sound as any other.”

Liquid Coal [click here to read question eleven]

“The Dodd Administration would not invest in liquid coal technologies and programs because turning coal into liquid fuel is inconsistent with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

New Coal Plants [click here to read question twelve]

“No exceptions.”