Nevada Questions That Weren't Asked at the Debate - Joe Biden's Answers

[gateley]

by: Sven
Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 10:24:55 AM PST

After the debate in Las Vegas I sent out three Nevada related questions that weren't asked at the debate to all eight presidential candidates.
Here are Joe Biden's answers:

Q: Sen. Harry Reid has vowed he will do all he can to stop the construction of three major coal power plants in Nevada. Do you agree with Sen. Reid?

A: I agree with Senator Reid that we shouldn't build new coal-fired power plants unless they use carbon capture and sequestration technology to contain harmful emissions. I would invest $50 billion over 5 years in research and innovation that would, among other things, improve and expand this technology and make the US a world leader so that we can export it to other coal-rich countries like China . We should also focus on expanding renewable energy - generating power from wind, solar and geothermal sources. Just two percent of our power comes from those clean sources. I would set a nationwide renewable electricity standard of 20 percent - so that 20 percent of our power is generated by renewables.

Q: On September 27, several immigration raids were carried out in Reno and 54 undocumented workers were arrested. Do you think these raids were justified?

A: I can't comment on the specifics of these raids because I'm not familiar with them. But I do believe that we must vigorously enforce immigration laws and punish employers who knowingly hire undocumented people. Specifically, I support: dramatically increasing border security and expanding resources for border patrol; providing a path to citizenship-based on considerable legal requirements-to bring the 12 million undocumented people, including 1.6 million children, out of the shadows; creating a worker visa system that is driven by the needs of employers and workers, not adherence to arbitrary numbers; and maintaining a worker visa program with safe and fair working conditions.

Q: Access to water is one of the biggest issues in Nevada . How can we ensure equal access to water for rural and urban Nevadans? And does there come a time when growth has to be limited because of a water shortage?

A: This is a state and local issue, but the federal government can be - and must be -- a partner in helping to facilitate agreements and insuring access to water for fast-growing regions. I would support effective projects and help states and communities work out their disagreements.


http://mysilverstate.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=425

[rucky]

1. I have to admit, I don't know much about the carbon-capture technology...

but I'm not that enthused about spending $50B on on coal-fired anything.

Thumbs-up on the renewables, though.

[gateley]

4. Yeah, I'd tend to agree about 'coal-fired anything'. I'm always hoping that since

there's money to be had in the renewable energy field these days, more technology will come quickly. For example, at first blush corn ethanol for fuel sounded ideal -- hell, we can just grow corn! But the drawbacks quickly became known, so we're searching other options instead. I hope -- if there IS a drawback to coal -- that would happen with regard to that option, too.

[rucky]

5. I'll try to find the video, but Biden discussed ethanol not being viable...

then mentioned several viable alternatives in development, including one called "Cellulosic". He just mentioned it off the cuff in a Q&A with people on the street.

I looked into it, and with a little more R&D, this could be one of the several breakthroughs we'll need for renewables.

[gateley]

6. I've been impressed that he seems to be on top of it and continually researching.

He sponsored a bill (which I think was passed) to get some $$$ for lithium-ion battery research.

[1corona4u]

9. He's always on top of everything....

I don't know how he does it......his mind is omnipresent.

[Egnever]

2. Pretty cool that he answered

Joes is a class act.

[jillan]

3. kickin' for Joe!

[monmouth]

7. The man is so knowledgeable about so many subjects...Go Joe!

[PatSeg]

8. That's for sure

He is a walking encyclopedia.

[youthere]

10. kick