Senator John McCain (R)

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The LCV Scorecard provides objective, factual information about the most important environmental legislation considered and the corresponding voting records of all members of Congress. It represents a consensus of experts from more than 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members should be graded. Scores are calculated on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the number of pro-environment votes cast out of the total number measured. Absences are counted as a negative vote. To view the 2006 scorecard, please click here.

The last six years of John McCain’s LCV scores are above, followed by his lifetime LCV score. The lifetime LCV score represents the career average for all years served in office. For more about the Environmental Voting Record click here.

Environmental Overview

What accomplishments or experiences would you cite as influences on your approach to environmental or conservation issues? These may be professional or personal.

"My political hero is and always has been Teddy Roosevelt. His wisdom, vision, and commitment to conservation and the stewardship ethic have been a major influence on my personal and political philosophies. When I came home from serving in Viet Nam one of the most significant improvements I perceived in our country was a renewed commitment to protecting our environment. I considered this to be a very positive development — one that was, and always will be, essential to the progress of our nation and the quality of American life.

In my public life, I have had the honor and privilege of working on a wide range of vital environmental issues including global warming, the protection of our national parks, and the preservation of natural areas, including expansion of the wilderness preservation system. I have worked to implement natural resource management policies that respect all stakeholders and recognize that the nation’s economic and environmental interests go hand-in-hand. I have made it a mission to keep an eye to the future on behalf of our children and future generations who have a right to inherit the blessings of a rich, productive, and unspoiled natural heritage.

One of my favorite pastimes is to visit and experience the Grand Canyon. It is a special, sacred place whose timeless beauty moves me. Not only is it a place from which I draw personal renewal, it is a monumental inspiration regarding our obligation to be faithful stewards of all the natural blessings that God has so richly bestowed—whether it’s the air we breath, the waters that sustain us, or the land on which we depend for life."

Global Warming & Energy priorities for first 100 days

As you know, a common rubric for measuring the results of a new presidential administration is to evaluate priorities for its first 100 days in office. The League of Conservation Voters believes that the one issue area voters will be most focused on, when it comes to the environment, is energy and global warming. If you are sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, what will be your priorities in the energy and global warming arena for your first 100 days in office, and why? These may be achievable by executive action, legislative action, international action, or appointments.

"Among my priorities will be working with Congress, national, state, and local leaders, and the full range of stakeholders to promote U.S. energy security and implement a national market-based cap and trade system tailored to protect the nation’s economic, environmental, and national security. As part of this initiative, I will use the powers of the presidency to see that the international community, including China and India, fulfill its obligations to address climate change in a manner that will effectively protect the global environment and our economy. I will institute federal policies to help achieve an energy mix that is far more diverse, dependable, economical, clean, and sustainable.

I would refer you and the LCV membership to the speech I delivered on energy security to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) this past April which outlines a number of these initiatives and priorities. Another of my top objectives will be to draw into my administration the most qualified individuals in our country to fill key cabinet and other positions in these vital policy areas."

Please respond to the previous question but focus on environmental issues outside of the energy and global warming arena.

"My priorities on environmental issues outside of energy and global warming will be: improving management of the nation’s wetlands, fisheries and ocean ecosystems; improving the care and maintenance of our national parks; instituting executive policies and procedures to ensure that policy and rule making in my administration is based on merit, public interest, sound science, cost-benefit, and the faithful execution of the law; improving efforts to provide the clean water that Americans need and deserve, and submitting a budget that reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and the environment—a budget which emphasizes legitimate environmental priorities, and eliminates pork barrel spending that mistreats taxpayers and the environment."

Priority compared to other issues for first 100 days

Many candidates for office, not just for president, intend or promise to do great things on many issues. How would you say environmental or conservation issues would rank as a priority for you in your first 100 days when compared to other issues? Why? Do you intend to personally attend to these issues?

"As president, the nation’s security will be my top priority. Furthermore, I strongly believe that the environmental and economic dangers posed by global warming, and the related issue of America’s reliance on foreign oil, constitute a serious threat to national and global security. Moreover, I believe that the wise and sustainable stewardship of natural resources will continue to be an increasingly crucial factor in protecting the nation’s environmental, economic, and physical security. Accordingly, addressing these issues will be a high priority for me as President of the United States and for my administration not just during the first 100 days but also throughout my presidency."