Ok, so I stole the title of this article from a song from that wildly popular Canadian pop group "The Poppy Family." It was a huge hit way, way, way back in 1969. But it truly does apply to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s 2008 presidential campaign. The messages from his energy plan seem to be going in many different directions.

Let’s look at his extremely impressive resume! Richardson is the current Governor of New Mexico, a job that he has held since 2003. But he has also been:

• 7-Term US Congressman from New Mexico
• United Nations Ambassador, appointed by President Clinton
• Secretary of Energy, under President Clinton
• Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association
• Nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 4 Times
• Brokered a cease-fire in Darfur
• Negotiated the release of hostages and political prisoners in Iraq, North Korea and Cuba
• Invented a chewing gum that will never lose its flavor

Ok, I made that last one up! But that resume is incredibly impressive. Richardson was born in California, but spent most of his childhood in Mexico City. As a teenager, he came back to the United States and went to school in the Boston area. He graduated from Tufts University and married his high school sweetheart Barbara Flavin.

Richardson has visited New Hampshire many times as a presidential candidate. He is a strong supporter of New Hampshire remaining as the first primary state. He has attended many events and was the first candidate to be interviewed on the SmartPower blog back in May about his energy plans.

On our blog, we asked Governor Richardson a series of questions about clean energy and the role it would play in a Richardson Administration. The main thrust for Richardson is that he has a huge plan for clean energy: "I want to initiate an Apollo-like program where in 10 years we have shifted 65% of our demand away from fossil fuels and towards renewables." That’s impressive!

We then asked Governor Richardson what he felt we should strive for with respect to reducing greenhouse gases: "We should reduce greenhouse gases by 90% by the year 2050." That is even higher than most experts have demanded — that is very good!

What would a Richardson Administration mandate the federal government to do about using clean energy? "I believe that the federal government should lead by example. I would issue an Executive Order that mandates a percentage of fleet vehicles be powered by natural gas. I believe that all future federal buildings should be ‘green.’ The government should use 20% clean energy to meet its energy needs by the year 2010." — He knows this drill!

Do you support or oppose a Carbon Tax? "I oppose a Carbon Tax. It will simply be passed on to the consumers. It doesn’t do the job. I am against a Carbon Tax." — there are mixed opinions about the validity of that tax, but his position is valid.

Finally, what role would nuclear power play in a Richardson Administration? "Well, I think nuclear has to be allowed to compete. But we do need to be able to resolve the waste issue. Perhaps technology is the answer. But it has to compete with other fuel sources."— Oh, NO! Not you Governor! Say it ain’t so!

Well, no one is perfect.

But Governor Richardson is also promoting:

• A North American Energy Council, with Canada and Mexico, that would encourage oil from those friendly sources as opposed to nations that oppose us.
• Detroit should get a 100 mpg car into the marketplace
• A National Renewable Portfolio Standard of 30% by 2020
• Support for "clean coal," but the Governor is not a fan of liquefied coal.

Overall, Richardsons energy plans are mostly positive. He shows true leadership in setting aggressive reduction targets and in promoting renewable energy sources. But his support for both clean coal and for nuclear power are troubling.

No matter "which way Billy is going," there is no dobt in my mind that many green voters will be going too!

Next week ….. Republican Senator John McCain

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SmartPower Blog on Bill Richardson

Richardson for President

Image of Bill Richardson and the author holding a Clean Energy Lets Make More Magnet - Author.