America faces big transportation challenges, with congestion, pollution and the high cost of gas threatening American drivers and our environment. At a time when Americans have been looking for leadership, however, Sen. John McCain has too often been absent from the scene. Also, time and again, Sen. McCain has sided with Big Oil against the interests of American citizens.
This week Environment America, a federation of state based environmental advocacy groups, released two reports detailing Sen. John McCain's history and ties to Big Oil and his record on transportation. Their summaries follow:
John McCain: Bad for drivers
Summary:
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John McCain: Missed the boat on help for American drivers and our air. Specifically, Sen. McCain:
Missed several key votes to increase fuel economy standards for cars, a step that will cut oil consumption in the United States. by more than 8 billion gallons per year by 2020, while saving American drivers $26 billion per year at the pump and reducing global warming pollution by 83 million metric tons.
Missed a critical vote to encourage the development of plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can achieve 100 miles per gallon or more. If powered by clean electricity, plug-in hybrids can reduce the air pollution that puts the health of 125 million Americans at risk.
Missed a vote to stop huge taxpayer subsidies to expensive and polluting liquid coal plants. Liquid fuel from coal produces twice as much global warming pollution as ordinary gasoline and the $7 billion cost of each liquid coal plant would be enough to build 2,500 wind turbines, or buy more than 300,000 Americans their own brand-new hybrid car.
Voted against investing in improvements in passenger and commuter rail service.
In addition, Sen. McCain has taken $1.3 million in campaign contributions from the oil industry during the 2008 presidential campaign alone and has surrounded himself with 28 oil and gas industry lobbyists who serve as fundraisers, staffers and advisers.
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John McCain: Too close to Big Oil
Summary:
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Time and again, Sen. John McCain has sided with Big Oil against the interests of American citizens. Sen. McCain:
Opposed legislation to end $13 billion in subsidies for Big Oil. That’s $123 for each family in the United States at a time when those same families are paying $1,480 more a year for gasoline, as compared to 2001.
Voted to allow drilling off the coast of Florida in 2001, despite the risk of environmental harm. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed 113 drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and damaged 457 pipelines. The Coast Guard documented six major, five medium, and more than 5,000 minor oil spills caused by just those two hurricanes, which released more than 9 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
Voted against clean energy policies that could reduce our dependence on oil. In 2007, the top five oil companies earned as much in profits as it would take 3 million American families to earn in a year.
Took $1.2 million in campaign contributions from the oil industry during the 2008 presidential campaign alone.
Has surrounded himself with 28 lobbyists, serving as fundraisers, staffers and advisors, from the oil and gas industry.
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