SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS/AP)  -- The disagreement between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain on the windfall profits tax measure blocked in the Senate Tuesday is just one of several sharp differences in their energy policy.

McCain supports a summer holiday from the federal gas tax, a move Obama has labeled a cheap gimmick that won’t produce real savings for consumers.

The Democrats fell nine votes short of the 60 votes needed to overcome a GOP filibuster against the energy package.

High gas prices appear destined to be one of the dominant issues when voters choose a new president in November, and the two major candidates disagree on how to quench America’s thirst for oil.

McCain wants to build more nuclear power plants, and store the waste at Nevada's Yucca Mountain. Obama opposes Yucca Mountain, but says limited nuclear expansion is still down the road.

Both of them support carbon emissions controls to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but McCain has come out against an Obama proposal to offer more subsidies for wind and solar energy.

Both oppose drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

KCBS's Doug Sovern reports

(jro)