Mike Johanns on the Environment

Preserving our environment is in everyone’s interest.  While we know that the earth has experienced a period of warmer temperatures, we do not yet have a scientific explanation upon which scientists agree.  I believe in a thorough scientific approach that addresses climate change in a thoughtful, logical way.  Today, climate change has been made into a political football.

Until we have an answer based on science, we can and should take steps to improve the environment without crippling the businesses that are at the core of this nation’s economic strength, or placing undue burdens and costs on hard-working families.  The worst action we could take would be to add cost to the price of gas in addition to higher utility and tax bills for families and businesses across the state and the nation before we have an answer from the scientific community.

1. I will support programs that help farmers and ranchers comply with environmental regulations.  Farmers and ranchers will be, and have been, excellent stewards of the environment.

2. I will also insist that environmental laws and regulations are based on sound science and common sense.

3. I will support policies and laws that make it clear that carbon credits generated by farmers and ranchers are theirs to own or sell.

4. I will continue to advocate for conservation programs and the development of renewable fuels which will help the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

5. The right approach, which I will support, is investment in research and the development of the technologies to reduce carbon emissions and to deal with all other aspects of climate change that impact our environment.

6. I will also insist on an approach to involve all nations on this issue.  The world community must work together.