[I am updating this now that the transcript is available here.]

In a revealing interview on Meet the Press today, GOP Presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani said he does not support the mandated increase to 35-mpg that both the House and Senate — and I believe even the President — support. To quote Rudy: “That isn’t the way I think it should be done.”

What is his alternative strategy? Politically, as Climate Progress readers know, only one other alternative strategy exists: “technology, technology, technology, blah, blah, blah.” Yes, Rudy wants to subsidize hybrids and biofuels — a voluntary strategy that has failed to stop the steady decline in average fuel economy — and the steady increase in gasoline consumption — in this country since the mid-1980s.

We’ve already heard some dubious energy/climate policy from the Giuliani camp, but here he himself demonstrated that he just doesn’t get it: In responding to Russert’s question about the fuel economy deal, Rudy said we needed to build more oil refineries. Well, only if the strategy of fuel efficiency and alternative fuels fails — which it certainly will if President Giuliani pushes his voluntary do-nothing technology strategy.

Rudy also said he wanted to push more nuclear and “clean coal” and, weirdly, “expansion of hydroelectric power.” [Note to Rudy's energy advisor -- this means you, former Energy Secretary of Herrington -- we are pretty much tapped out on hydro.] He made no mention of renewables like wind or solar.

The interview is now available here. The energy stuff is at the very end. I don’t think he’ll be the GOP nominee (though he is currently the gambler’s favorite), but if he is, the interview is probably worth watching. Otherwise, not so much.

John Voelker has blogged from EVS23 for IEEE’s Spectrum, and he ain’t writing about fuel cell vehicles. Except to point out that Honda’s FCV rep actually got hissed as he dissed lithium batteries. The same lithium batteries without which Honda’s much heralded Clarity would chug along like a quiet 1960s era VW bug.

The FCX Clarity will be leased for $600 a month, starting next summer, to selected customers in Southern California. “That means,” said one bystander, “that Honda’s picking up the other $600,000 on each vehicle.” Which is as good a way as any to summarize the cost challenges of fuel-cell vehicles–even before looking at the infrastructure challenges.If one statement sums up this conference so far, it’s this one, overheard in the hallways: “It’s all about the plug-ins, stupid!”

– Marc G.