Greentech Media

BARACK OBAMA: Obama took some ribbing early on by not only voting for but helping to introduce bills that included extensive subsidies for the coal industry (big in his home state) through support of controversial coal-to-liquid technology.

But, for some, he redeemed himself by later deciding only to support coal-to-liquid if it could emit 20 percent less carbon than conventional gasoline.

Obama is particularly keen on a $150 billion 10-year fund that would help commercialize biofuels, plug-in hybrids, low-emission coal plants and a digital electrical grid. Like Clinton, he supports a "green jobs" program, funded from the cap-and-trade auction, and wants the government to help develop manufacturing centers.

On top of that, he has proposed a $10 billion-per-year government venture-capital fund that would work with existing venture-capital groups to help new technologies "move beyond the lab."

He also wants to create a "low-carbon fuel standard" to help spur the development of biofuels.

Cleantech donors:

• Vinod Khosla, Khosla Ventures, $2,300
• Mark Donohue, Expansion Capital Partners: $460
• Joseph Lipscomb: Global Environment Fund: $2,300

Car:

• Chrysler 300C: 18 mpg
• Ford Escape SUV: 27 mpg

League of Conservation Voters score: 96/100