The Green Elements of the First 2012 Presidential Debate

President Obama reiterated his desire to end tax breaks for big oil and reaffirmed his support for new sources of energy like solar, wind and biofuels. The President also stated that his administration has helped to create 5 million new private sector jobs. To increase these numbers the President wants to invest in education and create 2 million new places in community colleges.

For his part, Mitt Romney said "I like coal!" He wants to see the tar sands pipeline ferry dirty oil through the US. He repeated the old Republican refrain of energy independence through more fossil fuel. He also wants to do away with "excessive" regulations.

Mitt Romeny: The Legacy He Will Leave for Our Children

Now that Mitt Romney has formally secured the Republican presidential nomination he is going on the attack with new ads that reveal his anti-environment agenda. These ads indicate that his top priorities include approving the Keystone XL Pipeline and the repeal of regulations designed to protect human health. Romeny wants to transport dirty tar sands oil from Canada, through highly sensitive areas of America, to the already endangered Gulf Coast. He has also indicated that he wants to repeal regulations like those put forth by the EPA. He dismisses the idea that some regulations are good and can actually create jobs while keeping people safe.