Congress passed -- and Bush signed -- the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 last December. It had energy goodies for consumers, auto makers, and even oil companies. John McCain failed to show up over a six month period for a single vote on the bill, despite the fact that he sits on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Let's take a look at McCain's pretty total disinterest in energy policy.
Here's Project Vote Smart's summaryof the bill:
Increases Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) to 35 miles per gallon by the year 2020 (Sec. 102).
Requires a minimum standard of 27.5 miles per gallon for domestic passenger vehicles (Sec. 102).
Requires an increase in the production of renewable fuels from 4.0 billion gallons to 36.0 billion gallons by 2022 (Sec. 202).
Stipulates that all renewable fuel refineries built after enactment of this bill reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent of the current baseline (Sec. 202).
Increases energy efficiency standards for certain household appliances, battery chargers, walk- in coolers and freezers, electric motors, light bulbs, and other devices (Title III).
Establishes the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program to provide training to veterans, unemployed individuals, and workers impacted by energy and environmental policies (Sec. 1002).
It's not as though McCain objects to CAFE standards:
Excerpts of the speech on energy independence McCain will deliver in Fresno, CA: "[T]he CAFE standards we apply to automakers -- to increase the fuel efficiency of their cars -- are lightly enforced by a small fine. The result is that some companies don’t even bother to observe CAFE standards. Instead they just write a check to the government and pass the cost along to you... CAFE standards should serve large national goals in energy independence, not the purpose of small-time revenue collection."
No, he just can't be bothered to show up for votes on them.
McCain the candidate talks about alternative energy; McCain the Senator can't show up for votes on the matter.
Greenhouse gases? Check:
"If we're truly going to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this country, we have to go to alternate energy," [McCain]said. "And the technology is there, and the innovation is there, and we can unleash it."
But not enough to vote on it.
Energy efficient appliances? Sure:
Energy efficiency is no longer just a moral luxury or a personal virtue. A smarter use of energy is part of a critical national effort to regain control of our own energy future. And in this effort, practical ideas are worth a lot more than uplifting lectures. It's not always a matter of making due with less energy. It's a matter of using energy in smarter ways. Business owners who invest in green buildings can cut their energy costs by as much as a third. Homeowners can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year with better light bulbs, appliances, windows, and insulation. Many Californians have understood the benefits of green technology for a while now and your governor sure understands them. Now we need to bring that smart ethic of environmental care to Washington.
Vote for them? Nah.
Job training?
Mr. McCain told a group of 650 people at a town hall session at Youngstown State University that he would focus on job training and education largely to battle job losses in manufacturing.
No show for the vote, though.
A candidate for President said back in 2007:
Energy efficiency by using improved technology and practicing sensible habits in our homes, businesses and automobiles is a big part of the answer, and is something we can achieve right now. And new advances will make conservation an ever more important part of the solution. Improved light bulbs can use much less energy; smart grid technology can help homeowners and businesses lower their energy use, and breakthroughs in high tech materials can greatly improve fuel efficiency in the transportation sector. We need to dispel the image of conservation that entails shivering in cold rooms, reading by candlelight, and lower productivity. Americans have it in their power today to contribute to our national security, prosperity and a cleaner environment. They understand the dangers we face, and are prepared to respond to appeals to patriotism that explain how we can free ourselves from them.
Emphasis mine.
Wouldn't you agree? The candidate who said that -- John McCain himself -- unfortunately doesn't.