McCain presses for energy independence

AIKEN, S.C., Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain of Arizona announced his plan Monday to curb global climate change and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

McCain called for more nuclear power to help meet the country's growing electricity needs and advocated for alternative fuels for cars.

Rejecting what he called "a live-for-today, Me-Generation attitude," McCain also lashed out at his GOP rivals for not proposing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions simply because the debate over global warming continues, The Hill reported Friday.

"Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution," McCain said at a campaign stop in South Carolina. "America has both an obligation and a compelling national interest in fulfilling our historic leadership role."

McCain said his plan would make the United States independent of Middle East oil.

"Great nations don't leave the 'lifeblood' of their economy in the hands of foreign cartels or bet their future on a commodity located in countries where authoritarians repress their people and terrorists find their main support," he said.

McCain added that U.S. dependence on foreign oil makes the U.S. vulnerable to attack.