Senator Hillary Clinton has released a comprehensive plan to address global warming and our energy challenges, which includes a mandatory cap-and-trade program to cut greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of clean, renewable energy sources. In addressing the climate crisis, Sen. Clinton’s approach emphasizes the potential to strengthen the economy and create new jobs. In fact, she estimates that her energy plan will create 5 million new “green collar” jobs.¹ In addition, Sen. Clinton would create a National Energy Council, similar to the National Security Council, to help coordinate the implementation of her energy plan across the Executive Branch.²

Sen. Clinton opposes new subsidies for nuclear power, but supports taking additional steps to deal with the problems associated with nuclear power, including waste disposal and plant security.³ In 2007 she voted to support investing in liquid coal if it reduced carbon pollution by 20 percent over conventional gasoline.⁴ Sen. Clinton is a cosponsor of the Global Warming Pollution Reduction Act, the strongest global warming legislation introduced in the Senate.⁵

On other issues, Sen. Clinton has been a leader on the nexus between environmental protections and public health issues, particularly when it comes to children’s health. As First Lady, she worked with Sen. Barbara Boxer to propose the Children’s Environmental Protection Act, a bill to require the government to set health and safety standards at levels that protect children.⁶ Sen. Clinton has consistently voted to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and believes we must protect our national parks and forests for future generations. However, in 2006 she voted to allow new drilling off the coasts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.⁷

In her own words

Clinton’s first 100 days priorities on energy and global warming:

“Energy independence and global warming are top priorities that I continually discuss on the campaign trail, and I will focus on them in my first months in office. I will use executive orders to restore federal leadership in energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. I will realign budget priorities to bolster research and development programs that can help to reduce oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions. I will nominate committed, highly qualified people to run the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy, and other related Departments. I will promote legislation to promote alternative energy, and I will personally act to restore American leadership in international discussions about global warming.”⁸

On other key environmental issues, Sen. Clinton:

Supports reinstating the Superfund “polluter pays” program
Supports protecting water resources (including intermittent streams and isolated wetlands)
Supports permanently protecting and preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Supports the reinstatement of 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule
Supports requirements of compliance with existing environmental laws in trade agreements