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McCain sets out green agenda

In a break with the green political vision proffered by US president George Bush and most Republicans, presidential candidate John McCain on Monday set out his vision for America, which included binding limits on emissions.

Mr McCain made the case for a cap-and-trade system to encourage firms to purchase the right to produce emissions.

In a speech at a wind turbine plant in Portland, Oregon, the republican presidential hopeful said: "Those who want clean coal technology, more wind and solar, nuclear power, biomass and biofuels will have their opportunity through a new market that rewards those and other innovations in clean energy,

"The market will evolve, too, by requiring sensible reductions in greenhouse gases, but also by allowing full flexibility in how industry meets that requirement."

McCain said he aimed to cut US emissions in 2012 to 2005 levels, with a further cut to 1990 levels by 2020.

In the long term, he said levels should be equivalent to 60 per cent of 1990 levels by 2050.

While Mr Bush has consistently opposed binding emissions caps, the Arizona senator said if elected he would lead with a different tact.

Mr McCain also called on emerging economic powerhouses China and India to cut emissions.

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