John Edwards Announces Global Warming Plan

We are a bit disappointed in John Edwards' global warming plan because he avoids nuclear power. Although we cannot STOP global warming and climate change, we can at least develop emission-free technologies to mitigate the more extreme consequences of global climate change. Edwards goes with the soft path, impracticle playbook.

He says he will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80 percent, but does not say exactly how he will realistically reach that goal. He calls for a ban on the construction of new coal-fired power plants that lack the ability to capture their emissions, yet there is no practical method to contain carbon dioxide. Al Gore promotes this same nonstarter. Edwards other recommendations include:

1) Capping greenhouse gas pollution starting in 2010 with a cap-and-trade system, and reducing it by 15 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.

2) Leading the world to a new climate treaty that commits other countries—including developing nations—to reduce their pollution.
3) Creating a New Energy Economy Fund by auctioning off $10 billion in greenhouse pollution permits and repealing subsidies for big oil companies. The fund will support U.S. research and development in energy technology, help entrepreneurs start new businesses, invest in new carbon-capture and efficient automobile technology and help Americans conserve energy.

4) Meeting the demand for more electricity through efficiency for the next decade, instead of producing more electricity.