The Candidate

Hillary Clinton is a former First Lady and a two-term Senator from New York State. Mrs. Clinton is widely recognized as the Democratic front-runner for the 2008 Presidential Election.

The Position

Hillary Clinton’s plan is described on her website as, “…a bold and comprehensive plan to address America’s energy and environmental challenges that will establish a green, efficient economy and create as many as five million new jobs.” The plan includes mentions of a cap-and-trade program for carbon emissions, a $50 billion strategic energy fund and a mandatory fuel efficieny increase to 55-MPG by 2030.

Mrs. Clinton provides more details in a 14-page document titled Powering America’s Future. The plan includes the creation of a National Energy Council to ensure implementation of the plan.

Our Take

Hillary Clinton brings a specific plan to the table in addressing the future of clean energy in the United States. Whether this is the right plan will be the subject of intense debate. The proposed strategic energy fund is slated to be funded by oil companies. Remember that oil companies are also energy companies. They have a lot more expertise than the Federal Government in designing and developing energy technologies.

Mrs. Clinton’s point on job creation is a strong one. Future energy technologies do mean better, more secure jobs for Americans. Future energy technologies can bootstrap this country out of our current economic doldrums. The big issue in deciding for or against Hillary Clinton’s clean energy policy comes down to whether or not you’d rather see the government in charge of the development and deployment of our clean energy future.