As the Alternet article pointed out, "water issues have largely been absent from the public debate and have barely been mentioned by either the Obama or the McCain campaigns". Alternet provides recommended solutions and compares what the candidates have done or have promised. Obama stated his position on several water issues including scarcity, pollution and clean water, but particularly on pollution, his record falls short of the Alternet recommended solution. On clean water, "Obama says he will support and sign into law legislation that effectively restores the historical scope of the Clean Water Act and advances environmental protection, community values and public health objectives. But Obama is in favor of so-called "clean coal" and other clean technologies that would continue destructive coal mining practices like MTR." The recent coal ash retention pond disaster in Tennessee is an example of what coal is really costing us environmentally...that and mountain top strip mining.
Obama's stance on these issues is an improvement over the last eight years, but where will clean water fall in the list of priorities? Also, while the Federal government should be actively involved, the responsibility must be shared with state and local governments. The economy should not be an excuse for relaxing standards.