A Couple of Market Liberals

After reading the environmental and energy platforms of McCain and Obama, I would agree that the two seem to be predominantly market liberals as well. Both support cap-and trade systems to remedy our emissions of greenhouse gases. They both also describe plans for tax-incentive-driven initiatives, rewarding companies and individuals for being more innovative or buying based on the environment. The two also support expansion of “clean coal technology” and greater use of natural oil. They are optimistic that the necessary changes can be made with their plans. None of this is surprising, as I would argue that the Market Liberal stance is the safest environmental stance to take when trying to get elected. If they were to express belief that the environment was in grave danger, this may turn away voters who are looking for optimism.

McCain’s mention of a desire to lead UN negotiations falls more in the Institutionalist paradigm, but he does not really develop this stance.

Obama supports the development of “advanced biofuels” and plans to provide tax incentives for “purchasing advanced vehicles” although he does not describe what he means by “advanced.” He is also a proponent of green jobs, believing that they will not only help the environment, but also the economy, by providing new work.

Obama expresses support for fair trade, which promotes higher environmental standards in production. As stated by Sarah, this falls between the Market Liberal and Social Green paradigms because of its promotion of better wages and working conditions.

Because both candidates are overall Market Liberals and have many similar stances, I do not think that categorizing them has really changed my sense of them. It is more useful to just examine their stances and plans. I agree more with Obama’s ideas and plans involving the environment. He has higher goals for American in reducing our emissions, developing renewable energy, and reducing our energy use, a point that, unless I am not mistaken, was not mentioned by McCain. I also believe in the importance and potential of green jobs and fair trade, which he advocates.