Obama vs. Romney: The energy debate

Special to The Bee  Published Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012

Peter Asmus has been writing about energy for 25 years and is author of the book "Introduction to Energy in California," published by the University of California Press.

The first televised debate between President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney showcased their very divergent views of what makes America work. Yet despite those differences, their respective platforms are surprisingly similar on an all-important topic – energy.

While health care, abortion and public education spending all affect each of us on a very personal basis, what happens on the energy landscape will drive the economy in terms of job creation. Energy choices made by the next U.S. president will also influence the fate of the developing world, where some 80 percent of the world's population resides, but where only 30 percent of total energy is consumed.

There are critical differences between the energy policies of Obama and Romney, but mostly in rhetoric and emphasis. An exception to that generalization pertains to the overarching issue of global climate change.

To read the entire article go to: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/14/4907715/obama-vs-romney-the-energy-debatewhos.html