Cap-and-tirade: A look at Mitt Romney's environmental policy record

It's been awhile since I last wrote anything. I have the excuse that I've been busy, it's been a holiday, etc. But, really, I've just been watching James Bond movies.

Now it's time to get back on the horse and continue on with our current feature: Cap-and-tirade: A look at GOP candidates' environmental policy records. Last time, we took a look at Jon Huntsman, the younger, greener, less spray-tanned counterpart to today's superstar, Mitt Romney.

Just like last time, I find that I can't do a better job of outlining Romney's environmental bona fides than a real journalist, so once again I'll be pulling heavily from the analysis done by Andrew Schenkel from his blog on the Mother Nature Network.

Romney acknowledges climate change

Continuing his campaign against winning the Republican nomination, Mitt Romney has reaffirmed his belief in climate change, stating:

"I believe the world is getting warmer, and I believe that humans have contributed to that. It's important for us to reduce our emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases that may be significant contributors."

He has, however, compensated for his outlandish views on... science... by  reminding the public of his ardent opposition to cap-and-trade; like Chris Christie in New Jersey, Romney pulled Massachusetts out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

It will be interesting to see how Republican candidates' position on climate change evolves as they scramble for nomination. The article mentions Pawlenty's mixed history with regard to climate policy, and I think we might continue to see Republicans distance themselves from the issue to differentiate themselves from the more moderate Romney and to appease the more conservative wing of the party which, for now, has a big say in who will be nominated.