Republican incumbents in tight races struggle with climate issues

Environmental activists are targeting vulnerable Republican incumbents in competitive districts, accusing them of weak climate policies ahead of the 2024 election.

Marianne Lavelle and Liza Gross report for Inside Climate News.

In short:

GOP members like Marc Molinaro (N.Y.) and Kevin Kiley (Calif.) speak about climate change but support legislation that promotes fossil fuels and rolls back clean energy initiatives.
Environmental advocates are rallying in districts across California and New York to challenge these incumbents’ voting records and promote Democratic candidates.
Democrats need to flip four seats to regain control of the House, with climate action as a central campaign issue in many battleground districts.

Key quote:

"They’re paying lip service to dealing with the everyday impacts of climate change, while not actually addressing the root cause of it."

— Michael Cassesso, political and advocacy director for NRDC Action Fund

Why this matters:

Environmental groups believe that securing a pro-climate House majority is critical to protecting progress made during President Biden’s term. Many vulnerable districts have already faced the consequences of extreme weather linked to climate change, raising the stakes in the upcoming election.

insideclimatenews.org

Republican incumbents in tight races struggle with climate issues

Climate change is getting worse in Nevada. Why did Democrats stop talking about it?

Carbon capture proposals draw mixed responses from environmental groups in Michigan House committee

4 million lakes in ‘Lost Lakes’ map offer clues to Arctic permafrost

Offshore wind job training built for a boom is facing down a bust

United Nations chief says power has polarized the world

Climate change has created a meta-crisis in food security, energy, and the economy, says Greek expert

Climate change is fuelling African conflict – governments are developing a shared response

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.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

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

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

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.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

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