AUGUSTA – Republican 1st District congressional candidate Steven Joyce drew contrasts with his Democratic opponent on environmental issues Monday.

Joyce criticized incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Allen for statements Allen made while attending the World Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, two weeks ago.

At the time, Allen chided the United States for not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol on climate change and called for strict timetables for renewable energy.

Joyce took exception to Allen’s criticism of U.S. policy and defended American actions to bolster energy, economic development and environmental projects in developing countries.

Allen campaign spokesman Mark Sullivan said the Bush administration has ignored global warming and its environmental implications.