Natural and Sustainable

Barack Obama is one of the main contenders for the 2008 presidental elections, and he has been hailed as a motivational speaker much like John F. Kennedy. But, where does he stand on environemtnal issues.

His appeal to the Democratic base is obvious, and has now pushed ahead of Hillary Clinton in the national polling where he has won 11 straight cacus’ and primaries. Obama’s prospects seem to be caught up with to main facts about him: One, he is seeking to become the first African American President and two, that he is very inexperienced. But, does experience make a president? Plenty of observers say this is a one-two punch that will ultimately doom his candidacy for the next presidental slot. This is possible, but there are others who believe that these supposed downfall will prove the Barack Obama has what it takes and will be his ultimate assets.

His environmental views are that the U.S. must take aggressive action now to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. He is a cosponsor of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act (S. 309) as well. This important legislation would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 80% in the year 2050. Senator Obama is also an original cosponsor of the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act , which was introduced by Senators Lieberman and McCain and would mandate 60% reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Even though as the writer behind Natural and Sustainable I vote for the Green Party, I can’t help but wonder where he will take this nation as far as environmental issues are concerned. There are strong points to his fight for office and a few stand out in my mind:

• Reduce mercury and lead to protect community health.
• Protect the Great Lakes & our National Parks and Forests.
• Give Katrina contracts to locals, not to Halliburton.
• Three months working on minority students recycling.
• Voted YES on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations.

“I spent three months working for a Ralph Nader offshoot up in Harlem, trying to convince the minority students at City College about the importance of recycling. Then a week passing out flyers for an assemblyman’s race in Brooklyn - the candidate lost and I never did get paid.”-Barack Obama (1996)

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If your state has local recycling programs for aluminum can, glass bottles, and plastic bottles always use this program. Some states even have programs where you get some many cents per container.