Progressive Marine veteran seeks to reshape West Virginia politics

In a bid to challenge the coal industry's grip on West Virginia, Zach Shrewsbury, a Marine Corps veteran and community organizer, has launched his U.S. Senate campaign.

Dan Kaufman reports for The New Yorker.


In short:

  • Shrewsbury's campaign follows a populist approach, emphasizing job creation over coal reliance, seeking to pivot to renewable energy sources.
  • His grassroots strategy includes extensive traveling across West Virginia, engaging directly with voters and distributing essential supplies.
  • The political landscape is marked by a decline in union influence and the rise of Republican dominance attributed to economic grievances and industrial decline.

Key quote:

"I am of the working class. I am from our home. And I will fight for the everyday West Virginian."

— Zach Shrewsbury, U.S. Senate candidate

Why this matters:

Shrewsbury's campaign is poised to stir significant debate on the state's economic future, especially as environmental concerns grow and the demand for sustainable energy sources becomes more urgent.

Puerto Rico's coastline with buildings that are ruins in the distance

With Puerto Rico’s water crisis, climate change meets ineptitude

Puerto Rico's ongoing water crisis made national headlines last week, as many were left without water for days, and now the majority of the island is facing drought conditions

Two men on a roof with overalls on installing a solar panel

‘The real challenge starts after sundown’: Europe’s heatwave boosted solar by up to 17% on hot days

A surge in solar power has helped meet heightened power demand from Europe’s blistering heatwaves, according to a new analysis.
White government building with large decorative pillars

What to know about the Supreme Court’s major climate case this fall

The decision could set a significant precedent for states and cities trying to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for climate impacts.
Wildland fire fighter, silhouetted  against flame-orange backdrop, training hose on wildfire.

Federal job cuts are making wildfires harder to fight

The Trump administration pushed out thousands of veteran U.S. Forest Service staff. An ‘extraordinary’ fire season is testing those who are left.
A Black woman putting her voting record into a box at a polling station

In Arizona, the thermostat is driving voters to the polls

Record heat, two rate hikes and a data center boom have turned utility bills — not climate — into the state’s most volatile issue.
A group of runners with numbered tags running on a city street

Hot weather forces marathons to consider changes to help runners

Marathon organizers are adjusting to warmer race conditions caused by climate change. Many races are shifting dates, starting earlier, or offering shorter runs.

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.