Here at the NRDC Action Fund, we focus primarily on clean energy and climate change. But there are a host of other issues that are important to us too including clean air, clean water and protecting endangered species. Today's post will highlight a severely endangered species: the Republican candidate who is Running Clean.
The habitat in the state of Maine seems to be perfectly suited for the species, as evidenced by the state's senior senator, Susan Collins. Collins, who is running for reelection this year, has a long and strong record of support for environmental protection, land conservation and clean energy. Her record is the strongest of any Republican currently serving in Congress.
Collins, who was first elected in 1996, has consistently supported increased energy efficiency, a renewable electricity standard, and tax incentives for clean energy. Currently, Collins is especially focused on developing deepwater offshore wind energy. On clean air, Collins has voted to uphold EPA standards to reduce soot and mercury pollution from power plants (though she did fall short of "Clean Air Hero" status in 2012 due to her championing of an amendment that would have blocked standards designed to reduce mercury pollution from industrial boilers and incinerators.
Collins accepts the science of climate change and supports action, having called it "the most significant environmental challenge facing our planet." Collins voted for the Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act in 2008, has previously called herself a supporter of cap-and-trade and most recently sponsored a "cap and dividend" bill with Sen. Maria Cantwell.
It is true that Collins' opponent, Shenna Bellows, should also be commended for her strong stances on environmental issues. However, Collins represents the environmental movements best hope to expand the tent of supporters. It will be difficult to advance meaningful environmental policy ideas if our priorities continue to be partisan.
If Maine voters are looking not just to elect someone who can make a difference for their state's environment, but also to make a difference nationally in protecting an "endangered species", they should remember that Susan Collins is running clean.