"It's not easy being green," said Kermit the Frog.

I'm sure he wasn't talking about the climate change crisis and what we should do during this election season. The phrase seems to fit nicely, however, when considering how to be green on Jan. 3.

Iowa has a unique position as lead off state in this presidential primary season. That uniqueness brings the spotlight on the Hawkeye State. That spotlight brings with it a great deal of responsibility to get it right. We have the opportunity to help launch the first woman as our 44th president. We also could help elect the first African-American, Latino, Mormon or Baptist minister as president. But what if we elected the first truly "green president?"

What does being a "green president" mean? I know that there are other very important issues facing this country, including the war, health care, education, the economy and immigration. There are even other very important environmental issues like water quality and factory farms. But these problems in my humble opinion, pale in comparison to the threat we face with global warming. In the long run, global warming threatens our very existence on this mortal coil. I am not advising you to become a one-issue voter but if you were to become one, this might be the issue that you could fly solo.

The caucus is a week away, so time is getting tight. The candidates will be concentrating their campaigns almost exclusively on Iowa during this time because it is that imperative for them to do well here. It is not too late to get to an event and ask them what specifically they will do about global warming and the environment. If you don't have the time or inclination to ask the candidates yourself, I recommend checking out the independent, non-partisan Internet sites that have already asked those tough questions (see sidebar above). These sites may not tell you who to caucus for, but they will give you the information you need to make an informed decision on where the candidates come down on the issues that define the challenge of our generation.

Here are 10 specific things to look for in your candidate's plan to address global warming solutions:

• Reduce greenhouse gases 80 percent by 2050.

• Require U.S. autos to average a minimum 35 m.p.g. by 2020.

• Require that at least 15 percent of our electricity be generated from renewable energy by 2020.

• Require new coal-fired power plants to capture and sequester carbon from day one.

• Repeal government subsides for big oil companies.

• Work with other nations to reduce global warming worldwide.

• Investing in sustainable next-generation biofuels like cellulosic ethanol.

• Require a carbon cap, auction and trade system or a carbon tax.

• Balance federal funding for public transportation and road construction.

• Invest in energy efficiency and research and development into clean renewable energy to create millions of green collar jobs in America.

The problem of global warming is huge, but so are the economic opportunities to create a new green, clean energy economy. We can do this at the same time that we protect Mother Earth for our generation and future generations. We need a green president to lead us to this new future. Maybe if we choose the right president, it will be easy to be green.