2014 VA Senate debate: on Energy & Oil

Ed Gillespie: Sea levels are rising, but it's debatable what causes it

Warner asked Gillespie about his views on global warming: "I'd love to take my opponent to Norfolk where seas are rising so much that the Navy is spending tens of millions a year just to raise the barriers."

Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, instead tying Warner to Obama's signature climate rule, which mandates states cut carbon pollution from existing power plants 30% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

When pressed again, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it: "I believe there is ample scientific evidence that contributes to climate change but I'm not entirely dismissive of those who have a different point of view. Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."

Mark Warner: All-of-the-above approach, including pro-coal

Gillespie dodged Warner's question at first, but when pressed again on his climate change beliefs, Gillespie said he thinks there is evidence to support it. Gillespie added, "Norfolk is dealing with rising sea levels but people can debate what contributes to that or not." Still, Gillespie said he thinks the administration's new carbon pollution rules "go too far."

Warner wasn't as quick to attack the new standards. Warner, a pro-coal Democrat, said he is for an all-of-the-above approach to energy, but thinks the U.S. needs to use cleaner sources to offset coal plants built in developing countries.

Ed Gillespie: Democrats' energy policy is an attack on our quality of life