The League of Conservation Voters, which works to turn environmental values into national priorities, on Monday endorsed Barack Obama for president of the United States. At events in Colorado, Ohio, Montana, Michigan, New Mexico, and Washington, DC, LCV representatives and members joined elected officials and environmental champions to celebrate the endorsement and to discuss Sen. Obama’s history of support for the environment and his plans for America’s energy future.

LCV President Gene Karpinski said that Obama's proven record and commitment to a clean, renewable energy future made him the best choice for president. “At a time when this country must reinvent itself for a new energy future, we can imagine no better steward than Barack Obama. Under his leadership, America will finally achieve the economic growth, environmental protection, and national security that are possible with a new, clean energy economy.”

LCV noted that there are significant differences between the climate change plans and track records of Sens. John McCain and Obama. The latter plans to raise fuel efficiency to 52 miles per gallon by 2030, invest $150 billion in clean energy technology, require utilities to produce 25 percent of energy from renewable sources by 2025, and to implement a cap and trade program that will reduce global warming pollution by 80% and make polluters pay for their emissions. Click here to read Obama's energy and environment plan.

McCain has no plan to accomplish any of these goals and has voted against them throughout his career. He opposes new fuel efficiency laws, opposes a national renewable electricity standard, and offers only $300 million for the development of clean technologies. Click here to read McCain's climate change plan.

McCain's lifetime environmental score, as calculated by LCV's National Environmental Scorecard, is 24 percent, compared with Obama's 86 percent.