SAN FRANCISCO, CA (Talon News) -- The Democrat front-runner in the race for the nomination, Howard Dean, gave a major environmental policy address on Thursday in San Francisco during which he recalled the environmental vision of Republican President Theodore Roosevelt and pledged to provide a new, far-reaching vision in the Roosevelt mold if he is elected.

"One hundred years ago, Theodore Roosevelt saw conservation as not only central to the national social, economic and political health, but as a reflection of basic American values," former Vermont governor Dean said.

"In the century since he lived in the White House, America has forged a bipartisan consensus on the importance of conservation and the responsibility each of us has to pass along a safe, healthy environment to future generations," Dean added. "Today, we have a Republican president who seeks to destroy this consensus and reverse decades of responsible environmental policy. We have a president who seems to regard public resources as gifts to be handed out to special interests."

Dean explained his four key environmental positions to the audience.

* Promoting "livable communities." As president, Dean pledged to work to help strengthen urban areas. Dean asserted that this will help protect America's open spaces and will help reduce energy consumption.

* Establishing an Environmentally Sound Energy Policy. Dean's energy policy focuses on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Dean as president promised to require that 20 percent of the nation's electricity needs come from renewable energy sources by 2020.

* Putting the 'protection' back in Environmental Protection. Dean promised to roll back what he claims are the Bush administration's "anti-environmental actions," and he pledged to "work to reestablish important environmental protections, including the road-less rule put in place by President Clinton." Dean supports elevating EPA to cabinet status. He also stressed the need to improve the Superfund and Brownfields programs to clean up more sites more quickly.

* Reengaging with the international community and restoring our nation's role as a global leader on environmental issues. Dean believes America must work toward the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. He called for adding to this international agreement by including carbon pollution reductions by developing nations as well as developed nations.

"Ask fishermen if they need a healthy ocean to survive. Ask loggers if they need healthy, vibrant forests. Ask CEOs if they need employees who go to work rather than to their doctors," Dean said. "How much productivity do we lose from preventable illnesses exacerbated by the pollutants spewing out of smokestacks and drainage pipes?"

"We can take America back from those who care more about returning a favor to a friend than about creating a sensible environmental or energy policy. And once we do, we can take America forward - and the world with us," Dean said.