Nation-Building >> Dean on the Environment | return to front page

Democratic presidential candidate Howard Dean on Thursday unveiled an environmental plan that would increase use of renewable resources, push automakers to improve fuel efficiency and strengthen the Environmental Protection Agency.

Two days after presenting his economic plan in Iowa, the former Vermont governor delivered the first major environmental address of his campaign and criticized President Bush's record during a speech in San Francisco.

"We can take America back from those who care more about returning a favor to a friend than about creating a sensible environmental and energy policy," Dean told an audience of about 400 supporters and environmental activists. He denounced Bush Administration programs such as the "Clear Skies" and "Healthy Forests" initiatives as "Orwellian doublespeak."

Under Dean's plan, 20 percent of the nation's electricity supply would have to come from renewable sources such as wind and solar power by 2020. He would create incentives to develop hydrogen-powered vehicles, design more energy-efficient SUV's and increase use of ethanol, a renewable fuel produced from agricultural waste.

"Conservation, principally through efficiency improvements, has to be a centerpiece of our national energy policy," Dean said.