Second US Presidential Debate reveals different strategies for clean energy

The second Presidential debate between US President Barrack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney emphasized the contradictory approaches towards clean energy generation.

Focusing on job creation and energy efficiency, the debate was held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

Clean energy & energy security, like the first debate, was a principle point of discussion as both candidates sought to highlight future plans.

President Obama continued to support clean energy sources such as wind, solar and bio-fuels as a significant generator of clean energy in the future while reducing costs and enhancing energy security.

The President named progress in creating energy efficiency as another factor that drives energy independence.

"Natural gas production is the highest it’s been in decades. We have seen increases in coal production and coal employment. But what I’ve also said is we can’t just produce traditional source of energy.

"We’ve also got to look to the future. That’s why we doubled fuel efficiency standards on cars.

"That’s why we doubled clean – clean energy production like wind and solar and biofuels,"
Obama said.

However, republican nominee Mitt Romney focused on increasing oil and coal production in the country alongside expanding renewable for energy efficiency and cost benefits.

"Look, I want to make sure we use our oil, our coal, our gas, our nuclear, our renewables. I believe very much in our renewable capabilities; ethanol, wind, solar will be an important part of our energy mix.

"But what we don’t need is to have the president keeping us from taking advantage of oil, coal and gas," Romney said.