John McCain on Environment

Preserve and help our National Parks

Q: Do you think tougher laws are needed to protect our environment?
A: Theodore Roosevelt was my hero and is to this day. He was responsible for the National Parks system, the crown jewels of America. They are $6 billion underfunded, they’re under enormous strain. Source: GOP Debate in Johnston, Iowa Jan 16, 2000

Strength Clean Air & Water Acts; but not Kyoto

Strengthen the regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act, in order to “improve efficiency and effectiveness”.
Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses of privately-owned land, “consistent with Constitutional takings clause.”
Does not support the United Nations (Kyoto Conference) treaty regarding global climate change.

Source: Vote-Smart.org 2000 NPAT Jan 13, 2000

Repeal ban on new roads in wilderness due to bad process

McCain would repeal Clinton’s recent executive order banning roads in more than 50 million acres of pristine wilderness. McCain did not oppose protecting the national forest preserve. Rather he objected to taking the action through an executive order, even though the order set off a rule-making process that includes public comment. “The idea that Washington knows best and that local residents cannot be trusted to do what’s right in their own backyard is the epitome of federal arrogance,” he said. Source: NY Times, p. A22 Dec 21, 1999

Use park visitor fees for park development bonds

McCain called for new investment in the country’s 379 national parks, including the creation of bonds backed by park visitation fees. He proposed to create “capital development bonds” to refurbish the parks. Under his plan, the secretary of the interior would contract with private fund-raising groups to issue the bonds. McCain also said that $800 million recently awarded to the federal government from a settlement over disputed Alaska oil lease revenues should be dedicated to the parks. Source: NY Times, p. A22 Dec 21, 1999

Preserve natural resources for future.

McCain has worked creatively to help preserve our natural resources for future generations. Source: McCain Exploratory Cmte. Web Site Jul 2, 1999

Supports alternative fuels, emission controls, & CWA

Strengthen the Clean Water Act.
Encourage development of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
Strengthen emission controls on all gasoline or diesel powered engines, including cars and trucks.

Source: Project Vote Smart, 1998, www.vote-smart.org Jul 2, 1998

Voted YES on killing budget for ANWR oil drilling.

Vote to preserve language in the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Framework that assumes $1.2 billion in revenue from oil exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] in Alaska. Bill S Con Res 101 ; vote number 2000-58 on Apr 6, 2000

Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests.

Vote on an amendment to cut the $47.4 million provided for Forest Service road construction by $10 million, and to eliminate the purchaser credit program. [The purchaser credit program provides credits to timber companies to offset what they owe the gove Bill HR.2107 ; vote number 1997-242 on Sep 17, 1997

Click here for definitions & background information on Environment. Click here for policy papers on Environment. Click here for SenateMatch answers by John McCain. Agree? Disagree? Voice your opinions on Environment in The Forum.
*Other candidates on Environment:*		*John McCain on other issues:*
Pat Buchanan George W. Bush Al Gore Ralph Nader *Minor Candidates:* Harry Browne John Hagelin David McReynolds Howard Phillips *V.P. Candidates:* Dick Cheney Joe Lieberman Winona LaDuke Ezola Foster *Withdrawn:* Lamar Alexander Gary Bauer Bill Bradley Elizabeth Dole Steve Forbes Orrin Hatch Alan Keyes John McCain Dan Quayle Bob Smith	*Senate Races:* (AZ) Kyl vs. Starky (CA) Feinstein vs. Campbell & Lightfoot (CT) Lieberman vs. Giordano & Green (DE) Roth vs. Carper (FL) McCollum vs. Nelson & Logan (GA) Miller vs. Mattingly (HI) Akaka vs. Douglas (IN,R) Lugar vs. Johnson (MA) Kennedy vs. Robinson & Howell & Lawler (MD) Sarbanes vs. Rappaport (ME,R) Snowe vs. Lawrence (MI) Abraham vs. Stabenow (MN) Grams vs. Dayton (MO) Ashcroft vs. Carnahan (MS) Lott vs. Giles & Brown (MT,R) Burns vs. Schweitzer (ND) Conrad vs. Sand (NE) Nelson vs. Stenberg (NJ,R) Franks vs. Corzine (NM,D) Bingaman vs. Redmond (NV,D) Bernstein vs. Ensign	*More Senate Races:* (NY) Clinton vs. Lazio & Giuliani & Wein (OH) DeWine vs. Celeste & McAlister (PA) Santorum vs. Klink (RI) Chafee vs. Weygand (TN) Frist vs. Clark & Burrell & Johnson (TX,R) Hutchison vs. Kelley & Ruwart (UT) Hatch vs. Dexter & Howell (VA,D) Robb vs. Allen (VT) Jeffords vs. Flanagan (WA,R) Gorton vs. Cantwell & McKeigue (WI,D) Kohl vs. Gillespie (WV,D) Byrd vs. Gallaher (WY,R) Thomas vs. Logan House of Representatives SenateMatch (matching quiz) HouseMatch Senate Votes (analysis) House Votes	Abortion Budget/Economy China Civil Rights Crime Defense Drugs Education Environment Families Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Juvenile Crime Kosovo Principles School Choice Social Security Tax Reform Technology Welfare/Labor