Twice during the debate, Palin criticized Obama for his vote on the legislation, an oil-friendly bill that many environmentalists opposed. In voting for the bill at the time, Obama cited its support for ethanol and clean-coal technology.
The McCain campaign frequently points to John McCain’s “no” vote on the 2005 energy bill as evidence of his “maverick” stance and his willingness to take on the oil industry. At the time, however, McCain said his primary objections to the bill were his belief that it would raise gas prices in Arizona, that it mandated too much ethanol use, and that it provided too many tax incentives for people who buy alternative-fuel vehicles. According to FactCheck.org, the bill also “resulted in a small net tax increase on oil companies” of $300 million over an 11-year period.
Biden-Palin 2008 VP Debate FAQ Index:
- How Do Biden and Palin Differ on Climate Change?
- How Do Biden and Palin Differ on ANWR, Offshore Drilling and Renewable Energy?
- Where Does Biden Really Stand on Clean Coal?
- Why Do Biden and Palin Disagree About the 2005 Energy Bill?
- Where Do Biden and Palin Disagree on Subsidies and Tax Breaks for Oil Companies?
- Where Do Biden and Palin Line Up on a Windfall Profits Tax for Oil Companies?
- What Can Pro-Environment Voters Learn from the Biden-Palin Debate?
