McCain’s $300 million idea

Sen. John McCain will announce a new energy plan today that might just carry some juice to it — literally.

John McCain waits to speak at a campaign event. (Photo/Jason Kosena)

In a speech in Fresno, Calif., McCain suggested a $300 million government prize for the first company or individual who can build a super battery for the automobile.

The 100 percent electric car, which would reduce America’s dependence on foreign crude, is the aim of almost every major automobile maker today in light of rising crude prices and McCain’s reward could be a big boost for their efforts.

General Motors was the first to announce its intent to build the electric car, what it is calling the “Volt,” but has hit a snag when it comes to, yep, you guessed it, the battery.

Before today, McCain has suggested America should take a “gas-tax holiday” — which received a warm reception by Congress and the American public — and has also called for lifting regulations that prohibit drilling along America’s coastlines.

His Democrat rival, Sen. Barack Obama, denounced the “gas-tax holiday” as a political tactic aimed to pick up votes from people feeling the pain at the pump.

Obama’s energy plan centers around funding an “Apollo Program” to get at renewable energy production to the tune of $15 billion a year for the foreseeable future.

Which plan has more appeal to voters, who might be blaming consumers more than government for energy woes, has yet to be seen, but with gas prices rising 10 cents in the last two weeks you can bet both candidates will continue talking about energy.  

 

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