Why Environmentalists Are Cheering Joe Biden

Democrat Barack Obama's choice of fellow senator Joe Biden as his running mate is being cheered by environmental advocates.

He has an 87% lifetime score in voting on environmental issues, according to an Environment America scorecard, and an 83% score by the League of Conservation Voters accounting. He's sponsored bills to reduce air pollution, including the carbon dioxide that causes global warming. He's supported a windfall profits tax on oil companies, energy efficiency improvements for cars and a requirement that electric power utilities use more renewable energy.

Transforming energy policy was a centerpiece of Biden's own failed presidential run.

“He brings a strong commitment to protection of public health and to the promise of a new energy future," said Environment America Executive Director Margie Alt. "He understands the critical importance of solving global warming through clean energy at home and engagement with the international community. ... and he understands that environmental protection is a generational commitment we make and a trust we must keep."

"With a life-time commitment to environmental protection and clean energy, Joe Biden is a invaluable addition to Barak Obama’s ticket," said Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club, which has already endorsed Obama over his Republican rival John McCain. "Together they will make the strongest executive team for clean energy in American history."