Clean Water Currents|Online, Fall 2008, Volume 35, No. 2

You be the judge.

One of the traps in this year's election cycle is to assume that no-one - not even the Republican nominee for president - could be worse than George W. Bush.

After almost eight years of watching inaction and rollback measures from the Bush administration on a wide-range of environmental and conservation issues, the temptation is to take the "anybody but" position.

A close examination, however, of John McCain's legislative record on clean water issues shows adopting an "anybody but" position on election-day would have far-reaching, negative consequences in a McCain administration.

Maverick image not withstanding, during his three decades as a member of Congress and as a U.S. Senator, John McCain has frequently opposed protective measures recommended by Clean Water Action, the Environmental Protection Agency and pro-environment initiatives from colleagues and other government agencies.

The two standout votes in this dismal track record are his opposition to a 1987 move by then Senator Bob Dole to reduce funding for the Clean Water Act. In 2005, McCain voted to include $900 million in the Transportation Bill, for flood and pollution management generated by runoff from roads and highways.

In the 20-years between these two votes, however, McCain has voted against clean water on every important legislative action. The record shows he has cast 10 major votes against clean water, particularly opposing efforts to increase drinking water protection and enforcement.

Here are some highlights of John McCain's public record on critical clean water policy:

• In 1985, as a Congressman, McCain voted to cut $6 billion from spending on water pollution control over five years. He also voted to allow local governments to set their own standards for toxic waste in water
• In 1994, he voted to allow state governments to choose which clean drinking water standards they wanted to follow instead of complying with federal regulations
• Also in 1994, McCain voted yes to a proposal requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to produce complex, time-consuming and expensive "justification" reports whenever the agency was recommending strengthening public health and environmental protections
• And, in 1998, McCain voted against providing funding in the federal budget for the Clean Water Action Plan and additional funding for the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Loans

Today, as the Republican nominee, John McCain emphasizes his commitment to achieving a "no net loss" wetlands policy. According to his Web site, "Rapid urbanization and poor water resource management continues to claim a considerable acreage of our delicate wetlands. Therefore, we must develop water resource policies that will protect these important natural assets for the benefit of all. This means employing long-term science-based strategies that properly manage strained freshwater resources..."

And, under the heading of "Open Space," McCain states, "We should promote responsible growth and encourage state and local officials to implement open space initiatives and establish green corridors within our communities. This will require strengthening federal tools like [the] Land and Water Conservation Fund that emphasizes recreation and the protection of wildlife."

Throughout this campaign, John McCain has emphasized his record and experience, endeavoring to contrast it with that of his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama.

But, matching his current statements with his voting record, indicate a candidate for president who, at best, has been legislatively shallow on clean water issues. And that's why it would be wrong to assume that, this year, "anybody but" is an authentic and valid choice.

by David Phelps

In this issue of Clean Water Currents|Online:

The Electoral Map: Turning Red & Blue to Green

Clean Water Action's community organizers work to turn red and blue into green knowing that this election - from Congressional races to the Presidency - will determine whether or not the country turns the page on congressional gridlock and the Bush era of hostility to environmental issues.

Political Activism Translates to A Better World, A Clean, Safer Environment

John DeCock, Clean Water Action's CEO, explains more about our involvement in the political process, and how we work with supporters to hold government accountable.

The Five Most Important Tasks for the Next President

With the sun setting on eight years of the most anti-environmental administration in modern history, the to-do list for the next President is a long one. Clean Water Action surveyed our members and staff and here's what we came up with as a short list of priorities for the next administration.

On Clean Water, is John McCain George Bush Redux?

A close examination of John McCain's legislative record on clean water issues shows adopting an "anybody but" position on election-day would have far-reaching, negative consequences in a McCain administration.

Our Pick for President

Every presidential election cycle, there's a secret wish that the major party nominees will be as equally good on environmental and conservation issues, so forgoing the need to choose one over the other. That is not the case in 2008.

Path To A Greener Congress Focuses On Eight Battleground States

In addition to electing a president that will make the right choices for America, we need to elect enough congressional members to get us to the veto-proof magic numbers of 60 Senators and 261 Representatives who support protecting our waters, our health and our future through strong environmental policies.

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