As our presumptive nominees head from coast to coast and country to country, a particular talking point is being discussed regularly in Nevada: energy plans and energy independence. As Obama stumps across urban Nevada and McCain campaigns rural Nevada, voters are asking, "Who has the better energy plan?"
On Tuesday, McCain stopped at Reed High School in Sparks, Nevada, a 15 minute drive from Reno, and discussed his energy plan as well as his criticisms of Obama's energy plan. McCain has made headlines in recent news due to his support of opening America's coastlines to oil drilling. He also supports building more clean coal plants and favors nuclear energy. McCain claims that Obama is for energy independence, but is opposed to taking steps to reach that goal. On McCain's website, he claims that he will "expand domestic oil exploration, promote and expand the use of domestic supplies of natural gas", and even create a $300 million prize to improve battery technology. But not so fast McCain; Obama sounds more like you than you think.
According to Barack Obama's website, he showcases several plans to combat high gas prices and foreign oil dependency, and to create a clean energy country. His two big ideas for reducing high gas prices is to "work with other countries to coordinate regulation of oil future markets" and "call on the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice to vigorously investigate market manipulation in oil futures". A unique approach Obama is taking on helping working families to pay gas prices is by introducing a "Making Work Pay" tax break available up to $1,000 per working family, or $500 per individual. Aside from the fiscal downside of energy, he seems much more optimistic than his opponent for a clean energy future. Obama is willing to invest $150 billion into clean energy over 10 years which can definitely help America become a leader in renewable energy. His website also states that he favors manufacturing green products, setting a goal of 25% of electricity be renewable by 2025, and promoting new bio-fuels. Obama and McCain seem to be on the same boat when it comes to supporting clean coal energy.
From comparing and contrasting Obama and McCain's energy plans, it is hard to decide which is better. However, the similarities seem to be greater than their differences on energy. As election day draws nearer, both candidates will be pressed to fully explain not only their energy plans for America, but numerous other issues that our country is facing today and will face in the future.