McCain too talks energy in Silver State

LAS VEGAS - There was a sense of déjà vu all over again as presumptive Republican nominee John McCain spoke about clean energy at the University of Nevada Las Vegas today.  McCain's comments, in theme, imagery, rhetoric and even choice of props, were almost identical to a speech presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama made just yesterday at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

That is not to say, however, that either candidate is "copying" the other.  Rather, the nearly identical events reflect an acknowledgement by both campaigns of the political importance of energy issues and a determination by both sides to stake a claim on them in this battleground state.

Like Obama, McCain outlined a plan that would expand federal investment in renewable and clean energy, regulate oil futures markets, increase fuel efficiency and give tax breaks to consumers. 

Although many of their goals and rhetoric were the same, the candidates differed on how they approached the issue, however, with both positioning themselves on territory where they are viewed more favorably. 

Obama framed the issue as an economic one and highlighted the "green-collar jobs" that will be created through his plan. 

McCain, however, prefaced his proposals by arguing that energy independence is a national security imperative.  Among the reasons to move away from oil dependence, he said, were that Al Qaeda may target oil pipelines and refineries.

Both were willing to blame President Bush to some degree for the nation's energy woes, but while Obama named Bush directly, McCain only obliquely referred to the futility of a "direct, heartfelt appeal" to Saudi Arabia to increase oil production.

McCain also did not refer to his opponent by name, and ignored Obama's accusations yesterday that he is proposing poll-tested, popular "gimmicks" instead of real solutions.

Both however, hearkened back to the 60's era Apollo Program, and said strong government action was necessary to achieve energy independence.

Here's a look at some of the differences in their energy plans:

Renewable Energy

Agree: Besides the familiar row of flags behind and friendly crowds around each, both Obama and McCain spoke beside a display of solar panels, symbols of their intent to expand renewable energy.  Both proposed industry tax credits to encourage development of solar, wind and geothermal power. Both also believe in a cap-and-trade system on carbon emissions.

Differ: Obama lambasted McCain for voting against the 2005 Energy Bill which, while providing some tax breaks for oil companies that Obama also attacks, also included numerous tax breaks for renewable power.  Obama said he would invest $150 billion in renewable energy over ten years, which he would pay for by eliminating tax credits for oil companies.

McCain is also for retargeting energy tax breaks, but is more indirect about how he would do so.  In a release accompanying his speech today, he called only for an "even-handed system of tax credits" that would "rationalize the current patchwork."  McCain said today that market initiatives like cap-and-trade systems are the most effective way to encourage renewable energy.

Clean Energy

Agree: While Obama is lukewarm on nuclear power production, McCain said today he would set a goal of building 45 new nuclear power plants by the year 2030.  Both would invest in technology to produce "clean coal."

Differ: McCain supports the Yucca Mountain Repository site to dispose of nuclear waste and said he would invest $30 billion toward "clean coal" technology over fifteen years.

Obama is against Yucca Mountain and said yesterday he would not endorse new nuclear plants until concerns over nuclear waste disposal and recycling are allayed.  McCain surrogates have recently taken to calling Obama the "Dr. No" of nuclear power. 

Part of Obama's $150 billion would go toward "clean coal" research and he has said he may ban new traditional coal-fired plants.

Regulating energy trade

Agree: Both candidates intend to regulate the energy futures market and believe that will bring down the cost of oil.

Improving automobiles

Agree: Both want to encourage production of more fuel-efficient automobiles.

Differ: McCain believes this can be accomplished by providing market incentives like a $300 million prize for inventing an improved battery for a car and giving tax credits to consumers who buy low-emission vehicles.  McCain has not proposed raising fuel efficiency standards, but is in favor of raising penalties for violating current standards.

Obama, however, would raise fuel-efficiency standards for automakers and invest part of that $150 billion in research and development for more efficient automobiles.

Domestic Oil Production

Agree:  Neither candidate is in favor of drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.  Beyond that, McCain and Obama agree on expanding domestic oil production only in that McCain is for it and Obama is not totally against it.

Differ: Last week, McCain proposed expanding offshore oil drilling, which Obama labeled a "political gimmick."

Obama has said he would not support lifting a ban on offshore oil drilling and proposed charging oil companies for federal land they have leased but on which they are not drilling.  Two Republican senators, on behalf of McCain have called Obama "Dr. No" on this issue as well.

Going to the moon

Agree: Both think the Apollo Program worked out well.

Differ: see below

Obama Tuesday: "When John F. Kennedy decided that we were going to put a man on the moon, he didn't put a bounty out for some rocket scientist to win - he put the full resources of the United States government behind the project and called on the ingenuity and innovation of the American people."

McCain Wednesday: "Some will say [energy independence by 2025] is unattainable within that relatively short span of years -- it's too hard and we need more time. Let me remind them that in the space of half that time -- about eight years -- this nation conceived and carried out a plan to take three Americans to the Moon and bring them safely home.