Presidential candidates' policies on climate offer starkly different paths

Voters in the upcoming Harris-Trump election face a clear choice on climate policy, with Vice President Kamala Harris focusing on climate action and former President Donald Trump advocating fossil fuel expansion.

Gautama Mehta reports for Grist.


In short:

  • Harris supports the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers rebates for energy-efficient home improvements, while Trump has pledged to rescind it.
  • Trump's climate approach includes cutting regulations and increasing fossil fuel production, while Harris is expected to continue Biden's strategy of incentives for clean energy.
  • Both candidates' policies will impact electric vehicles, transportation and energy production, shaping how the U.S. meets climate goals.

Key quote:

“There are fundamental forces here at work. At the end of the day, there’s very little that Trump can do to stand in the way.”

— Gernot Wagner, climate economist at Columbia Business School

Why this matters:

The next U.S. president will influence policies related to energy, transportation and emissions, affecting the nation’s ability to meet critical climate targets. Their decisions will have long-term consequences for public health and the environment.

Read more:

An illustration of donald trump looking at the viewer

4 ways Trump is sabotaging climate action around the world

In just one year, Trump has derailed an international carbon tax, boosted fossil fuel forecasts, and sought to silence an island nation.
Flaring (burning off) of excess methane at oil and gas well
Credit: Leonid Ikan/BigStock Photo ID: 82710347

Revealed: The world’s worst mega-leaks of methane driving global heating

Fixing a leak can be simple and equivalent to closing a coal power station, making lack of action maddening, say analysts.

Pair of feet belonging to a person lounging poolside

Study: In a warming world, people move less — and die more

Physical inactivity rises alongside temperature. A study in The Lancet projected up to 520,000 additional deaths by 2050 and $2.59 billion in annual productivity losses.

Oil and gas flaring in a desert landscape with black smoke billowing into the sky

Iran war should trigger faster exit from fossil fuel dependence, United Nations climate chief says

The war in Iran has exposed the dangers of relying on volatile oil and gas markets, UN climate secretary Simon Stiell says.

Wind turbine towers awaiting assembly

Trump administration officials weigh new plan to stop offshore wind farms

Proposed settlements would block wind farms off New York and North Carolina, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times.

An illustration of a solar panel standing over a wheat field

The battle over solar on farmland

Agrivoltaics is either a green revolution or a poison pill for good land, depending on which farmers you ask.

Copper mine

Federal forest land in Arizona transferred for major copper mine

The transfer of federal forest land in Arizona to a pair of international companies that plan to mine one of the largest copper deposits in North America is complete.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.