Positions and Views of John Kerry
on Environment
| Previous Candidate for U.S. Senate, Massachusetts |
|
|
 |
| Environment |
Positions and Views |
| Environment, a General Statement |
As Americans, we have the right to breathe unpolluted air, drink safe water, eat uncontaminated food, live in clean communities and enjoy our natural treasures. Today, approximately 45% of our nation's waterways do not meet the "drinkable, swimmable, fishable" standard set out by the Clean Water Act 30 years ago.
In the 21st Century, we can have progress without pollution - we can grow our economy while protecting our natural resources. But we need to look to the future and invest in innovation.
Throughout my career, I have fought to clean up toxic waste sites, to keep our air and water clean, and to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other pristine wilderness areas. Recently, the non-partisan League of Conservation Voters called me an "environmental champion," a distinction I'm very proud of.
I believe in setting a new standard of environmental excellence for America. I will continue to honor and protect our national treasures and pay tribute to our natural wonders, while renewing our nation's promise of clean air, clean water and a bountiful landscape for all. I recognize that we owe it to our families, our communities, and our planet to defend our environmental values and protect our environmental rights.
Together we can improve the environment in backyards and communities across America. I believe we can create cleaner, greener communities by revitalizing contaminated industrial sites, getting toxins out of communities, guaranteeing our children access to clean, safe parks, and taking on traffic congestion and sprawl.
Source: kerry.senate.gov (04/27/2008) |
| ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) Oil Drilling |
I will continue to work to protect our environment including the preservation of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Source: kerry.senate.gov (04/27/2008) |
| Clean Air Act & Clear Skies Initiative |
The "Clear Skies Act" would do far too little to reduce air pollutants and achieve these reductions far too slowly.
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| Kyoto Protocol |
By refusing to even submit the Kyoto Protocol for Senate confirmation, the President has demonstrated his lack of commitment to cleaning up the environment. The Kyoto agreement isn't perfect, but the Senate could review it and propose revisions. The President won't even allow the Senate to consider it.
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| Clean Water Act and Water Quality |
As Americans, we have the right to breathe unpolluted air, drink safe water, eat uncontaminated food, live in clean communities and enjoy our natural treasures. Today, approximately 45% of our nation's waterways do not meet the "drinkable, swimmable, fishable" standard set out by the Clean Water Act 30 years ago.
Source: kerry.senate.gov (04/27/2008) |
| Clean Drinking Water |
As Americans, we have the right to breathe unpolluted air, drink safe water, eat uncontaminated food, live in clean communities and enjoy our natural treasures. Today, approximately 45% of our nation's waterways do not meet the "drinkable, swimmable, fishable" standard set out by the Clean Water Act 30 years ago.
Source: kerry.senate.gov (04/27/2008) |
| Toxic Waste |
Together we can improve the environment in backyards and communities across America. I believe we can create cleaner, greener communities by revitalizing contaminated industrial sites, getting toxins out of communities, guaranteeing our children access to clean, safe parks, and taking on traffic congestion and sprawl. Throughout my career, I have fought to clean up toxic waste sites.
Source: kerry.senate.gov (04/27/2008) |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
The Bush administration has rolled back EPA authority in a variety of areas, and the Kerry-Edwards environmental plan would reverse those rollbacks.
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| National Forests and Healthy Forests Initiative |
Yes. The Kerry-Edwards "Conservation Covenant" will end the logging of rare old-growth trees on our public lands.
Source: Candidate Website (10/02/2004) |
| These are available issue topics for which there were no responses. |
| Global Warming, Climate Change |
| Environmental Regulation |
| Clean Air Technologies |
| Carbon Tax |
| Greenhouse Gas Emission Limits |
| Developing World Greenhouse Emissions |
| Developing World and Climate Change |
| Environment Technology for Developing World |
| Tropical Deforestation |
| Cap-and-Trade System to Reduce Carbon Emissions |
| Free Market Incentives |
| Power Plant Emissions |
| Higher Gasoline Tax |
| U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) |
| Polluter-Pays Superfund Fees |
| Interior Department |
| National Parks |
| National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act |
| Land, Rivers and Lakes |
| Factory Farms |
| Oceans |
| Tropical Rainforests |
| Wetlands |
| Invasive Species |
| Endangered Species |
| Cruelty to Animals |
| Recycling and Trash |