McCain Says His Environmental Stance May Anger Republicans

From CBS News’ John Bentley:


Arguing that a strong economy and responsible environmental policy aren’t mutually exclusive, John McCain acknowledged that some members of his own party may not agree with his environmental initiative. “I’ve made some Republicans mad in the past and I may make them mad now, but my job is to do what I think is best where the environment is concerned,” McCain said at a campaign stop in North Bend, Washington. “I think we can get Democrats and Republicans in this effort.”

McCain sat with the former governor of Washington, Dan Evans, as well as seven other local politicians, business owners, and local citizens who talked with McCain about climate change, sustainability, and green technologies at a roundtable event today. He has been trying to bolster his environmental credentials on his latest tour of the Pacific Northwest, and said he was willing to have an environmental debate with anyone. “The younger generation is on our side,” McCain said. “We’ve got a few old geezers we need to convince.”

The environment is not a stand-alone issue, according to McCain, who said it intersects with issues of national security and the domestic economy. “I have a plan that will restore our environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate our dependence on foreign oil,” he said. “Green technologies are the future of this country.”