by

Some of the most important issues of the 2008 Presidential campaign revolve around alternative energy and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.Â Thanks to our current energy crunch, Americans have had to deal with much higher prices for gasoline and energy, and are likely to face record high heating bills this winter.

On top of the economic pain, it’s hard to deny that the green movement is in full effect.Â Since it’s pretty hard to deny the link between our use of fossil fuels and our current environmental problems – most notably, global warming – an alternative energy plan predicated on carbon neutral resources is extremely important to a lot of voters.

So, which candidate won over the most Americans with his energy plan?Â Right now, it’s kind of hard to tell.

According to a recent poll on Daily Fuel Economy Tip, most Americans are torn over whether either, neither, or both Presidential candidates will be able to implement a solid alternative energy plan.

Here’s how over 200 readers responded when asked: Do you think either Presidential candidate will implement an effective alternative energy policy?:

42% believe only Obama will be able to do so

will be able to do so 27% believe neither candidate will be able to do so

will be able to do so 24% believe only McCain will be able to do so

will be able to do so 7% believe both candidates will be able to do so

The most likely reason Obama has such as large “lead” in this poll is because of the fact McCain was a very early and adamant proponent of offshore drilling as a means to help ease the current energy crunch.Â On the flip side, Obama has been relatively critical of offshore drilling, and has said that we would be better off not drilling and just making sure our tires are properly inflated.

While this might seem like a relatively small thing, because it was one of the first times the candidates clashed over energy, it has sort of resonated with voters ever since.

In an effort to shed a little more light on each candidate’s energy plan, I’ve listed some key points for their plans:

BARACK OBAMA’S ENERGY PLAN:

Enact a windfall tax on Big Oil, and use money to provide an Energy Rebate to Americans

Get 1 million plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015, and provide a tax credit for buying these cars

Ensure 25% of our energy comes from clean, renewable sources by 2025

Implement cap programs aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions 80% by 2050

Click here to see a full breakdown of Obama’s energy plan.

JOHN MCCAIN’S ENERGY PLAN:

Expand domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production

Focus on wholesale reform of the transportation sector, and enforce current CAFE standards

Expand “clean coal” programs, and build 45 new nuclear power plants by 2030

Implement programs aimed at reducing greenhouse emissions by 66% by 2050

Click here to see a full breakdown of McCain’s energy plan.

Each plan has pros and cons, so if this is an important issue for you regarding who gets your vote this November, please take advantage of every opportunity to do more research.