On this weekly Tuesday diary until the election, we are keeping track of whether candidates are willing to come out squarely against construction of new coal plants until they are capable of capturing and sequestering CO2.
Today's analysis is of Rudy Giuliani; based on Guiliani's statements, he is squarely against banning these old-fashioned coal plants. But more importantly, for the fossil fuel industry, Rudy is the chosen candidate to deliver their anti-regulatory agenda and windfall profits for another 4-8 years.
IN OIL MONEY, RUDY IS ON TOP - WAY ON TOP
Open Secrets is keeping track. Through the 3rd quarter, Rudy's campaign donations from the fossil fuel boys are gushing.
More on Guiliani, and the "pledge" below the fold
GIULIANI CALLS FOR INCREASED RELIANCE ON COAL
On August 3 , 2007 , Rudy Giuliani held a $1000 per plate breakfast fundraiser for members of the West Virginia Coal Association in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia.
Rudy said, "We have to increase our reliance on coal." He also said that in the past he owned coal mines in Hazard, KY.
A FOUR YEAR REPEAT OF BUSH OBSTRUCTIONISM ON GLOBAL WARMING REGULATIONS?
Rudy Giuliani is being enthroned by the same Texas fossil fuel oligarchy to succeed GWB in continuing their program of delay on climate change for 4 or 8 more years in Washington DC. At least 37 of Bush's campaign moneymen, the "Pioneers and Rangers", have en bloc thrown their largesse behind Rudy.
Of course, Rudy is now the famous half of Bracewell and Giuliani. This is the law firm that NRDC labels as "the most well-known face of aggressive energy-industry lobbying in DC." Many believe this firm played the major role in getting Bush to reverse his campaign promise, and abruptly turn 180 degrees after taking office, and oppose all CO2 regulation.
And, it goes without saying, that Bracewell and Giuliani will not release their client list.
THE MASTER OF CONFLATION
It is clear,Rudy does not want to talk about his fossil fuel ties on the campaign trail. After all, the latest polls are showing that up to 75% Americans support a moratorium on old fashioned coal plants.
What does he say about global warming?
"Yes, global warming is happening. Yes, human beings are contributing to it," Giuliani said, though he added that he did not see the problem as an emergency that needed to be addressed immediately.
"I don't like mandates."
As he continues his patriotic facade, consistently framing increased reliance on coal as a Path to Energy Independence and, by the way, the ever-present but inconveniently non-existent 'clean coal' as a solution to global warming, it seems he has been able to deflect the stench from his fossil fuel money donors and his intimate energy business ties up until now.
How much longer can he get away with it?
THE UPDATED PLEDGE
I believe that all new coal-fired power plants should be built with carbon capture and sequestration capacity.
Joe Biden YEA
Hillary Clinton NO POSITION
Chris Dodd YEA
John Edwards YEA
Barack Obama "IF NECESSARY"
Bill Richardson STARTING IN 2010
Rudolph Guiliani Nay
Mike Huckabee NO POSITION
Duncan Hunter NO POSITION
John McCain NO POSITION
Mitt Romney NO POSITION
Fred Thompson NO POSITION