Environment, Energy Off Elections Radar

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The environment and energy are near the bottom of the list of concerns voters will base their decision on when they choose the next president of the United States in 2008.

Despite the pressing problem of global warming and the promise by most Democrats to boost job creation by investing in sweeping renewable energy technology programs, the issues failed to register in a USA Today-Gallup poll this weekend.

While domestic concerns — namely, the economy and health care — have gained importance, the war in Iraq still dominates the concerns of voters.

Also ranking above environmental issues were a diverse set of issues, including illegal immigration, homeland security/military defense, taxes, honesty/integrity/credibility of the candidate, abortion, domestic issues, social security reform, education, international/foreign affairs, terrorism and the budget deficit/spending.

Ranking above energy, in addition to those issues, were employment issues, financial/money, senior care/Medicare/prescription drugs and morals/values/Christian beliefs.

Wow.

Here's the thing. The intersection of global warming and energy use has huge implications for the top-tier issues, notably our involvement in volatile oil-rich Middle East nations and the economy. Investing in renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative energy has the potential to create jobs — millions by some estimates — and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

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