Senator John McCain (R)

Environment in a Larger Context

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

"I support open global trade because it promotes prosperity both at home and abroad. This is not only good economic policy but evidence also shows that it promotes the cause of conservation and environmental protection. As we have observed across the globe, poverty is often a very poor steward of the environment. To reach both goals, I support Trade Promotion Authority (“fast track” authority) as an indispensible tool to achieve liberalized trade and the prosperity it promotes. Trade Promotion Authority is consistent with our obligation to undertake Congressional debate over free trade agreements that is open, transparent, and inclusive. We have an obligation to ensure that the terms of such accords are well understood by members of Congress, the public, and all stakeholders, and that American sovereignty is never compromised. Where international agreements are necessary to address compelling environmental issues, we should pursue those agreements for their environmental objectives; not permitting these issues to be used for protectionist purposes that serve neither our economic or environmental interests."

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

"I strongly believe in preserving states rights and the ability of their elected governments to establish more rigorous standards that are appropriate to local conditions and preferences in protecting public health and safety. Where an environmental threat crosses state and international boundaries, I believe every effort must be made to ensure that regulatory responses are properly coordinated where necessary to maximize efficiency and effectiveness."

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

N/A

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

"I strongly support NEPA’s goal of informing officials, stakeholders, and the public about the environmental implications of significant projects proposed to be undertaken by the federal government. Nevertheless, I believe instances occur in which legal procedures invoking NEPA are employed more for the purpose of delaying or obstructing a project, than to achieve the law’s goal of helping produce a fully informed decision. As president, I will continue to support the NEPA process. However, abuses of the law by those seeking to ignore it or to exploit it should be addressed so that the law can be applied as intended, and so that public support for its important purposes can be sustained."