McCain, Edwards get support from enviro groups

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a supporter of efforts to limit greenhouse gases, has received the endorsement of Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP).

{mosads}“Senator McCain is the only Republican candidate in 2008 who understands the deep connection between true conservative values and good environmental stewardship,” the group’s president, Martha Marks, said. “He is the candidate best suited, by knowledge, experience and conviction, to provide the strong environmental leadership that our country needs.”

The group lauded McCain’s understanding of environmental and energy issues and how they are related.

“Energy security and climate change are clearly among the biggest challenges facing America today,” REP government affairs director David Jenkins said. “As president, John McCain will not shrink from responsibility. He will lead the way forward to a balanced energy and climate plan that will strengthen our defenses, encourage entrepreneurship, grow the economy, improve our quality of life and take responsibility for leaving a better world for our descendants.”

Jenkins added that McCain knows that the challenge posed by climate change “is far too important to leave in the hands of liberals.”

Last week, former Vice President Al Gore, who won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his work fighting manmade climate change, criticized McCain for having changed his tune on the environment.

“John McCain has in the past had a very responsible position, but competing for the votes in those primaries, I guess, has led him in another direction,” Gore told CNN when asked about evaluating the field of Republican White House hopefuls.

REP policy director Jim DiPeso disagreed, saying that McCain would follow in the steps of environmentally conscious GOP presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan.

On the Democratic side, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards received the endorsement of Friends of the Earth Action.

“John Edwards understands that we must accept responsibility for conserving natural resources and act with urgency to stop the crisis of global warming,” the group’s president, Brent Blackwelder, said. “He has led on this issue, with the best plan to halt global warming and protect the environment. He has the strength and courage to stand up to the big corporations that are abusing our planet. And he is the only top-tier candidate in this race who opposes new nuclear plants in the U.S.”

Edwards thanked the group for its support.

“We must work together to halt global warming and protect our natural resources to ensure our children inherit a healthy planet,” he said.