Barack Obama may have snagged the "green vote" this month when a national coalition of 25 environmental groups decided to endorse him, but questions remain about the impact of the organization's support. Environment America, composed of 25 environmental organizations representing 25 states, conducted a poll of its members' opinions of Obama's and John McCain's proposed environmental and energy policies to determine who to endorse. The organizations decided to endorse Obama after an overwhelming 87 percent of members who voted said they favored his environmental policies over McCain's, said Luke Mertzger, director of Environment Texas, one of the 25 participating organizations. Voters in Texas may not be accurately represented by the organizations, which UT government professor Bruce Buchanan said are mainly composed of Democrats. Obama may be a popular choice for environmentally-concious voters and organizations because he has been more vocal in the subject, Buchanan said. Representatives of Texas' Republican Party said Democrats also may ignore others issues because of the militant approach the party takes to environmentalism. "There is a natural proclivity among certain groups within the [environmental] movement to have an inherent bias toward Democratic candidates," said Hans Klingler, spokesman for the Republican Party of Texas. "That doesn't mean they can't find people to support the environment among the Republican party." Klingler said he believes McCain has a more inclusive and realistic view of the energy crisis because he encourages more drilling in different locations in addition to finding alternative energy sources. He said come election time, citizens will remember the Democrats took a five-week recess in August instead of debating and voting on or against energy legislation that would allow for more drilling. Mertzger said Environment Texas has a diverse community of members, including both Republicans and Democrats. Many Republicans have decided to vote for Obama because of his dedication to improving the environment, he said. Leaders from Environment Texas cite Obama's plan for addressing global warming, creating "green collar" jobs to improve the economy, his voting track record, his plan for diversifying energy sources, and the leaders approve his plan for emission reductions, which scientists say will help our nation avoid the worst possible impacts. Mertzger said leaders at Environment Texas researched both candidates' platforms for almost a year before making their decision. McCain missed eight votes on legislation that would keep tax credits that support wind and solar energy, Mertzger said. Environment Texas sent an e-mail to members this week, urging them to donate to Obama's campaign because of the closing gap between the two candidates. A thousand Texans who responded to a June poll conducted by UT faculty said the state's top priority has moved from the war in Iraq to the energy crisis. Buchanan said national polls show the economy is the top priority for Americans, followed closely by health care and the war. "Some argue that there is a connection between [the environment and the economy]," Buchanan said. "The future of the economy relies on oil and alternative sources like wind and solar power." Mertzger and Klingler said Americans, regardless of party affiliation, want a clean environment. "Regardless of where they are or who they are supporting, voters will see the energy crisis as an opportunity to provide an equal test of which candidates can better resolve the crisis," Klingler said.
Environment America endorses Barack Obama
Twenty-five national groups favor Obama's environmental policy
Published: Thursday, August 28, 2008
Updated: Saturday, December 13, 2008
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