They oppose the increased emission standards and increased CAFE standards. In these cases, they believe that industry should be allowed to pursue modifications that will keep automobiles affordable. Republicans also tend to take a more skeptical view of global warming, believing that more scientific study is needed before any drastic measures are taken, including ratification of the Kyoto Treaty. They tend to support control of water pollution at the state level rather than the federal level. They also believe that sprawl is a result of free-market development and consumer choice and should not be unduly restricted by government.
Democrats tend to favor the stricter clean air standards.
In general, Democrats support the tighter emission standards and would like to see higher CAFE standards. Democrats, in general, agree that global warming is a major concern that should be confronted and therefore support Senate ratification of the Kyoto Treaty. They also believe that water pollution is a problem that should be dealt with at the federal level and would prefer to see a strong Clean Water Act. Democrats tend to favor more government action to curb sprawl and preserve open space.