Palm oil and sugar cane plantations have devestated ecosystems in Asia and South America. The United States increased support of biofuels will only cut further into the world food supply, and put more pressure on these fragile ecosystems.

We syndicate news from ClimeArk.org that has written extensively about this. The following quick read touches on some of the long term consequences of continuing these policies: NewStateman.com Article.

It would be easy to fault Obama for his support for offshore drillng, nuclear energy, and especially biofuels. Obama writes:

Together with Congress and private industries, we are making critical investments to grow an American clean energy economy and achieve energy independence. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act puts Americans to work weatherizing homes and buildings, doubling our supply of renewable energy, and advancing scientific research in clean energy solutions. We are working to develop and deploy technologies like wind and solar power, advanced biofuels, clean coal, and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks built here in the United States. In addition, my Administration is pursuing comprehensive legislation to move toward energy independence and prevent the worst consequences of global warming, while creating incentives to make clean energy profitable in America.

Not enough in there about conservation and recycling, and anything about biofuels is extremely troubling to me. But the other political party is clearly not a viable choice. I recently discovered the Center for Biological Diversity, considered by some the best value for a dollar donated to the environment. Their mailer lists countless George Bush policies overturned by Obama in his first year. There are regulations for logging, mining, offroad vehicles, and the protection of vast amount of land. I am trying to get this information online.