GOP platform may have global warming plank

WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The Republican platform may include a first-ever plank on global warming, an examination of a draft document indicated.

"Increased atmospheric carbon has a warming effect on the Earth," The Hill reported the draft document as saying. "While the scope and long term consequences of this warming effect are the subject of ongoing research, we believe the United States should take measured and reasonable steps today."

Sen. John McCain, poised to become the party's presidential nominee next week during the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., is a proponent of tackling global warming.

The party is also expected to consider taking a strong anti-earmark position, also favored by McCain, the draft indicated.

"Earmarking must stop," the draft said. "To eliminate wasteful projects and payoffs to special interests, we will impose an immediate moratorium on the earmarking system and reform the appropriations process through full transparency."

The final version of the 2008 Republican Platform will be ratified during the convention.