Candidates Give Their Views on Environmental Problems

Neither Republican George Bush nor Democrat Michael S. Dukakis has decribed his environmental policy in detail. However, in response to a questionnaire from the League of Conservation Voters, both candidates offered their approaches to a number of environmental problems. Following is a synopsis of four issues:

Nuclear Power

Bush--Supports the continued use of nuclear power as an alternative to the burning of fossil fuels. He pledges to hold the nuclear industry to “the highest safety standards.”

Dukakis--Does not reject nuclear power outright but emphasizes the role of the states in regulating facilities within their borders. He expresses skepticism of the economic feasibility of many nuclear plants.

Acid Rain

Bush--Favors the development of so-called “clean coal” technology that would permit the continued burning of coal without the acidic side effects. The vice president also supports reductions in coal emissions but does not mention specific goals.

Dukakis--Supports reductions in coal emissions and is specific: He says he would cut sulfur dioxide emissions by 12 million tons a year and nitrogen oxides by 4 million tons. He promises to pursue a more cooperative program with Canada, which is on the receiving end of much acid-rain pollution from the U.S. and has long campaigned for reductions.

Global Warming

Bush--Would convene an international conference to address the issue and seek to reduce accumulations of carbon dioxide and other warming gases by increasing the use of alternative fuels.

Dukakis--Would seek to ban more uses of chlorofluorocarbons, which erode the protective ozone layer and thus increase exposure to sunlight. He calls for an international conference to address all the factors that contribute to global warming.

Pesticides

Bush--Would seek accelerated use of biotechnology to develop new pest-control substances and would authorize a review of current pesticide regulations.

Dukakis--Would increase the testing of pesticides, which has fallen far behind the introduction of new products in recent years. He would end the practice of reimbursing pesticide manufacturers for the cost of all products removed from the market for safety reasons.