Edwards's Energy Plan Proposes a Cap on Heat-Trapping Gases 

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Published: March 21, 2007

Saying global warming is an international emergency, John Edwards called on Tuesday for a cap on the emission of heat-trapping gases and stricter standards on automobile emissions. 

''This is not a threat about the future; this is a crisis today,'' Mr. Edwards said here, 30 miles north of Des Moines, at a research center for converting agricultural products into fuel and other chemicals as he outlined an energy plan in his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. ''There is a direct link between our addiction to oil and our national security.'' 

Rejecting suggestions that steps like limiting heat-trapping gases would hurt the economy, Mr. Edwards said sites like the conversion center could lead to an energy-driven economy that could create up to a million jobs. 

''Energy not only cannot be a hindrance to the America economy,'' he said, ''it can be the fuel for the American economy.'' 

His plan sets these goals: 

Capping emissions of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide beginning in 2010 and cutting them 15 percent by 2020. 

Drafting a global warming treaty that includes developing nations. 

Creating an energy fund by selling $10 billion in greenhouse pollution permits and end $3 billion in subsidies for big oil companies. 

Aiming to freeze electricity demand over the next decade and produce 25 percent of power from renewable sources. 

Mr. Edwards, a former North Carolina senator and the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2004, said he would also set a goal of raising fuel efficiency in automobiles to 40 miles a gallon.