By BETH FOUHY
By BETH FOUHY
Associated Press
NEW YORK — Mitt Romney says President Barack Obama blocked construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline as a gift to environmentalists. Newt Gingrich calls Obama “President Algae” for supporting research on biofuels. And Rick Santorum says Obama’s environmental views constitute a “phony theology” that prioritizes the earth over people.
It’s a characterization that may resonate with GOP primary voters, but it has surprised environmental activists, many of whom say they are let down by Obama’s record on their issues.
As a candidate, Obama’s pledge to limit the gases that contribute to global warming and embrace cleaner forms of energy pleased many environmental activists.
But nearing the end of his first term, Obama’s record on the environment is mixed — and many of his decisions have irked the very activists who Republicans suggest have broad sway over administration policies.
“Absolutely, he has been a disappointment,” said Frank O’Donnell, president of the environmental group Clean Air Watch.