During the presidential debates on Saturday night there was hardly any talk about climate change and the need for clean energy. This is surprising considering how much these issues are en vogue these days, but according to the New York Times Dot Earth blog, the pollsters say the buzz in the media doesn't stand up in voters minds.

I was glad to see Bill Richardson mention mass transit as part of the solution for energy independence and battling climate change. He was the only candidate to do so. The Republicans -- most notably John McCain -- are focused on the national security aspects of energy efficiency, which is fine since that is an equally valid concern.

However, New Hampsherites are concerned about oil prices and it is influencing their decisions.

The reality is that while clean energy may cost more in the short term and fossil fuel prices will rise, much of the cost can be offset through energy efficiency and conservation. While this could exacerbate a potential recession, in the long run the stability of relying on renewable resources and domestically-produced biofuels will reassure the market. Keeping the money in the U.S. economy will create jobs and reduce the trade deficit while making us less vulnerable. Richardson is the most candid in calling for some sacrifice. Let's hope whomever gets the nomination from each party will keep that in mind.