Presidents Day and the Environment

Happy President’s Day! This is a day when we honor our past Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln who both had their birthdays in the month of February.  Of course now it is a catch all holiday to honor all past Presidents.  It got me thinking about the upcoming elections this year and just who I may be “honoring” in coming years as a past President on President’s Day.

This year I am focusing on the candidates with regards to environmental issues we are facing as a nation and just what they have in store to help our nation on the environmental front.

You see, most environmental groups and practices are being brought about by business owners and individuals who have a vision of improving the environment for future generations – not the government.

Individuals are looking to “go green” to help create a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for their families.  They make changes not because they are told to but because they know it is the right thing for them to do.

Businesses like Herman Miller – a company that manufactures office furniture – have had “environmental sustainability” in their company vision since they started back in the 1960′s, way before any governmental body told them they had to meet certain guidelines.  They did it as part of their own social responsibility pledge. What they do goes far above any regulations set forth by the government.

Yes, the government currently has regulations in place and some states have additional regulations based on the industries in those states that require companies to adhere to certain environmental regulations, but these regulations are created mostly by governmental bodies that don’t even understand what the real issues are.

So that leads me to the main candidates for President this year.  We have Obama as the main Democrat and for the Republican race we are still working on narrowing the field with Romney, Paul, Santorum and Gingrich as the main players. Here is just a bit of information.

Obama – When asked what he would do for the environment stated that the environment is an opportunity to create more jobs in the Green Sector.

Romney – When asked about the environmental issues in general he noted that he believes each state should be able to create their own regulations based on their needs.  The nation as a whole has a responsibility to clean the air.

Paul – Voted “No” on many environmental issues including protecting free roaming horses and burros, environmental education grants for outdoor experiences and he believes that recycling uses more energy than it’s worth.

Santorum – Scored 0 percent by the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) on environmental issues.  “The LCV is the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. Through our National Environmental Scorecard and Presidential Report Card we hold Congress and the Administration accountable for their actions on the environment.”

Gingrich – Wants to replace the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) with a new organization called the Environmental Solutions Agency.

(Source for information above from http://www.issues2000.org/Background_Environment.htm)

Bottom line, all the candidates have their pros and cons when it comes to the environment but at the end of the day it is up to us as individuals to lead the way in creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for all.  If you are concerned about the next President and  their environmental attitude, read up on the candidates and become a more informed voter this year.  But above all, don’t just sit there and do nothing.  “We the people” can still make a difference  with regards to the environment – and we will!