Opinion: Kamala Harris has significantly influenced the climate policy agenda
Kamala Harris has played a pivotal role in shaping the U.S. climate policy by advocating for and implementing progressive measures during her tenure as vice president.
Leah C Stokes writes for The Guardian.
In short:
- Kamala Harris has been instrumental in passing significant climate legislation, along with cleaner water and community investments.
- She pushed for the largest investment in environmental justice, with over $40 billion dedicated to disadvantaged communities.
- Harris's influence extends to shaping bipartisan infrastructure packages, including funding for electrifying school buses and replacing lead pipes.
Key quote:
"We must act with a sense of urgency. We must be swift. We still have so much more to do."
— Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Why this matters:
Stokes, a political scientist and professor at the University of California Santa Barbara who focuses on environmental and climate policy, points out that the next U.S. president will play a crucial role in determining whether the goal of halving emissions in half by 2030 is achieved. While Donald Trump has promised to roll back environmental rules, Harris has worked behind the scenes to advance environmental justice and climate action.
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