Senator John Edwards (D)

Environment in a Larger Context

International Trade Agreements [click here to read question twenty-seven]

"Trade has to be done the right way. We cannot put up walls, but trade deals must include strong labor and environmental standards to prevent a “race to the bottom” in environmental, labor, and other laws. Standards are not an excuse not to trade but a way to lift up workers in both countries.

I support U.S. leadership to establish international environmental agreements both to tackle global problems and to ensure that our competitors meet minimal environmental standards. I strongly opposed provisions like Chapter 11 of NAFTA which effectively empower closed tribunals to overturn strong environmental protections. As president, I will ensure that environmental considerations are central to any trade deals."

Federal Pre-emption of State Laws [click here to read question twenty-eight]

"Since the Bush administration has refused to lead in the fight against global warming, states are rising to the challenge. For example, California has introduced aggressive regulations that would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 29.1 million metric tons annually by 2020. Eleven other states have followed suit reducing emissions by an additional 45 million metric tons per year. I recently wrote the EPA administrator to urge that the EPA grant California’s request for a waiver to enact its 'Clean Cars' program. The federal government should not stand in the way of environmentally progressive states that are spearheading our nation’s efforts to stop global warming."

World population [click here to read question twenty-nine]

"I support funding increases in international and domestic family planning programs. I believe that the United States must meet its global responsibilities to fund population assistance programs, and should work to ensure that women around the world have access to basic reproductive healthcare. I also believe the United States should resume its funding of the United Nations Population Fund, with clear limitations regarding China. I oppose and would reverse the Mexico City rule.

I have also endorsed the goal of universal basic education by 2015 and proposed committing $3 billion a year to this cause. Education is critical to bringing countries out of poverty and reducing population growth, but more than 100 million young children are not in school."

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) [click here to read question thirty]

"I support the NEPA. The government makes better decisions if local communities are involved in the process. The NEPA guarantees that Americans affected by federal action will get the best information about its impacts, a choice of good alternatives, and the right to have their voice heard before the government makes a final decision."