"Change is an energy policy that puts a price on pollution and makes the oil companies invest their record profits in clean, renewable sources of energy that will create millions of new jobs and leave our children a safer planet." -- Barack Obama, May 20, 2008.

Our nation's energy policy represents a microcosm of both the discontent in the direction of the country and the desire to change. For many Americans, our current energy policy symbolizes what's gone wrong -- record prices at the pump, record oil-company profits, dependence on foreign countries that threatens our security, and failure to invest in renewable energy, in creating jobs, or in solving global warming. Switching to clean energy represents the type of big change voters are looking for.

Americans recognize and accept clean energy as a driver that will transform our economy; create and keep good jobs; save families and businesses money; generate new investment and opportunities; free us from the big oil companies and foreign countries; and cut air, water, and global warming pollution.

The candidates understand the saliency of this issue, and -- just as they did in 2006 -- its metaphoric value. At a time when four out of five Americans say America is on the wrong track and are demanding change -- candidates can deliver change by committing to building a clean energy economy. Adopting renewable energy is a major, specific, and immediate part of how we transform our economy, our politics and our future -- and candidates are embracing the issue this election year.
>> Presidential Clean Energy Scorecard