In March 6th Democratic debate, the candidates clashed over climate change plans.
Continuing from yesterday's column. You might find of interest this excerpt of the March 6th Democratic debate.
The presidential candidates finished their food fight over fracking. Then they clashed over climate change plans:
CNN's Anderson Cooper: Senator Sanders ... there are a number of Democratic governors in many states who say that fracking can be done safely. And that it's helping their economies. Are they wrong?
Senator Bernie Sanders: Yes... [Climate change] is a national crisis. And I talk to scientists who tell me that fracking is doing terrible things to water systems all over this country.
We have gotta be bold now. We gotta transform our energy system to energy efficiency and sustainable energy. We've gotta do it yesterday...
Anderson Cooper: Secretary Clinton?
Senator Hillary Clinton: Well, first, let me say I think I have the most comprehensive plan to combat climate change. It sets some very big goals.
A half billion more solar panels deployed by the end of my first term. If I'm so fortunate to be president.
{This pace, about 125 GW, would significantly accelerate what GTM Research is forecasting, about 75 GW.} And enough clean energy to power every home by the end of my second term. What I am looking at is: how we make the transition from where we are today to where we must be?
I worked with President Obama, during the four years I was secretary of state, to begin to put pressure on China and India and other countries to join with us. To have a global agreement. Which we finally got in Paris. So I am committed to, and focused on, how we make that transition. I've already said, we are taking away the subsidies for oil and gas.
But it is important that people understand, that a president can't go ordering folks around. Our system doesn't permit that.
I am going to set the goals. I will push everybody as hard as I can, to achieve those goals. We will make progress on clean renewable energy. And create millions of jobs through that.
When the momentous election of 2016 touches our world of utility regulation and policy, as it shall on occasion, Public Utilities Fortnightly will reflect on the implications.
Steve Mitnick, Editor-in-Chief, Public Utilities Fortnightly
E-mail me: mitnick@fortnightly.com
