Governor Bill Richardson 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 fact, among the presidential candidates, Gov. Richardson’s plan sets the highest goals for reducing global warming pollution and increasing production from renewable energy sources.¹ During his presidential campaign, Gov. Richardson has run numerous television ads that have highlighted his commitment to clean energy.² He also recently authored a book on energy and security.

As governor of New Mexico, Gov. Richardson has made the state a leader in clean energy technology. In 2004, he established New Mexico’s first renewable electricity standard, requiring 10 percent by 2011, and in 2006 he signed a bill increasing the standard to 20 percent by 2020.³ More recently, he established mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting in New Mexico that, for the first time anywhere, requires oil and gas producers to report their emissions.⁴ Earlier this year, he signed a five-state agreement to lower greenhouse gases.⁵

Gov. Richardson believes nuclear power can play a role if it meets high standards, proves itself safe and can manage its waste streams.⁶ However, he opposes all nuclear subsidies. Additionally, Gov. Richardson has said liquid coal is out of the question unless the carbon emissions can be sequestered.⁷

Aside from energy, Gov. Richardson has emphasized the need to protect open and wild spaces in order to preserve our natural heritage for future generations.⁸

In his own words

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

“On my first day in office, I’d end the war in Iraq. On my second day, I’d announce a plan for achieving national energy independence. When I rolled out my energy and climate policy earlier this month, I promised to lead a “second ‘first 100 days’ ... saying that I would submit a significant set of policy recommendations to Congress to enact the boldest, most comprehensive and most integrated energy and climate policy package offered by any presidential candidate. I will want the conservation community’s input in designing a two-day White House Summit on low- and no-petroleum vehicles to be held in my first 30 days in office. The primary new measures will include:

[I would] strengthen science and technology. In this area we could really surprise ourselves and exceed the baseline emissions reductions and oil demand reductions predicted by my policy suggestions. We need to keep investing in this area, in close collaboration with entrepreneurs, inventors, and investors.

I will also implement a new, coordinated, international energy and climate policy, and America will return to international leadership on these issues.”⁹

On other key environmental issues, Gov. Richardson:

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