TREE-HUG HUBBUB ON MCC'S TRUE NATURE

April 7, 2008 -- Call John McCain a tree hugger, he won't mind - especially now that it's Earth Month.

McCain, a leader in the campaign to reduce global warming, could be the strongest GOP presidential candidate in decades on so-called green issues, some environmental advocates said.

The Arizona senator also considers himself a staunch conservationist. He says one of his proudest accomplishments is helping preserve 3.5 million acres of wilderness in his home state and limiting flights over the Grand Canyon and other national parks.

Breaking ranks with most Republicans, he opposes oil drilling in the Alaska Wildlife Refuge.

McCain once quipped: "Nature is not a liberal plot."

But critics claim McCain's environmental record is worse than his rhetoric.

They charge he sabotaged his own Climate Change bill by inserting a provision promoting nuclear power.

The League of Conservation Voters gave McCain a zero rating for missing votes on 15 key environmental tallies while campaigning last year. His lifetime rating since entering Congress is 24 - a big, fat F.

Unlike some environmentalists, McCain backs expansion of nuclear power to help reduce America's dependence on foreign oil - along with other alternative sources, such as wind, solar and biofuels.

Still, McCain's environmental record is good enough to win over moderate, eco-friendly swing voters, said campaign adviser Charlie Black.

McCain's signature issue is cutting greenhouse gases from fossil fuels. He co-authored legislation to curb such emissions by two-thirds by 2050 through a corporate cap and trade system.

McCain's green initiative made him the darling of the environmental movement. In 2004, he was featured on the cover of OnEarth magazine.

"I believe climate change is real. I think it's devastating. I think we have to act," said McCain, who cites conservationist Teddy Roosevelt as his idol.

SOURCE