democrats
Newsletter
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Biden faces pressure to increase Arctic conservation efforts
Over 50 Democratic lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to expand protections in the Arctic, citing growing climate concerns and threats from development.
In short:
- Led by Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Jared Huffman, the group called on the Interior Department to expand federal protections for Arctic Special Areas.
- The Interior Department is reviewing whether to increase protections across 23 million acres, having already safeguarded 13 million acres in April.
- Lawmakers stress that climate change and development are severely impacting wildlife and indigenous subsistence areas in the Arctic.
Key quote:
“This opportunity to take a renewed look at needed protections is especially timely, as the effects of climate change in the Arctic — from declining sea ice, permafrost thaw, and record temperatures — are felt more acutely than ever before and new extractive development encroaches more and more into important habitat and subsistence areas.”
— letter from more than 50 congressional Democrats
Why this matters:
Rapid Arctic warming and increased industrial activities threaten fragile ecosystems and indigenous communities. Additional protections could prevent further damage, particularly as critical wildlife and plant habitats shrink.
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Harris could prioritize stricter climate policies if elected
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has yet to detail her climate policy, but her history as a prosecutor suggests she might take a tougher approach toward the fossil fuel industry than the current administration.
In short:
- Harris has been vague about her climate plans during her campaign, contrasting with her detailed environmental record as a prosecutor.
- Her past actions include prosecuting oil companies and advocating for environmental justice, hinting at a potentially stricter climate agenda.
- The oil and gas industry remains wary of Harris, noting her past support for fracking bans and aggressive enforcement policies.
Key quote:
"She's the hammer. That’s what environmental justice constituencies have wanted forever: enforce the law, equitably enforce the law."
— Vernice Miller-Travis, environmental activist
Why this matters:
Vice President Harris' stance on climate change may significantly impact U.S. policy, particularly regarding fossil fuels, which are central to the global climate crisis.
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Republicans clash over keeping green subsidies from 2022 climate law
Republicans are divided on whether to keep the Inflation Reduction Act’s green energy tax credits, with growing support within the party to preserve these incentives despite opposition from conservatives.
In short:
- 18 House Republicans signed a letter asking Speaker Mike Johnson to keep energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Some Republicans argue that the subsidies benefit their districts and support economic development, while others see them as wasteful spending.
- GOP leaders face pressure to decide on the future of these credits, particularly if they win the 2024 elections.
Key quote:
“We’ve seen industries that were against the Inflation Reduction Act now lobbying to keep the tax credits."
— John Podesta, White House climate adviser
Why this matters:
This debate highlights internal GOP conflicts over climate policy and the political balancing act between economic benefits and ideological opposition to government spending. The outcome may significantly impact the future of U.S. climate initiatives.
Related EHN coverage:
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Democrats should focus more on Black climate voters
As Democrats fine-tune their climate message for young voters, advocates urge the party to prioritize environmental justice for Black communities suffering from disproportionate pollution.
In short:
- Democrats emphasize climate change as a key issue for young voters but may overlook Black communities affected by pollution.
- Advocates call for more focus on environmental justice, noting that Black communities are hit hardest by climate-related issues.
- Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as a potential strong advocate for linking climate action to racial equity.
Key quote:
“When America is experiencing smoke, Black America is on fire. And when we have flooding, when we have wildfires, when we have those things that hit our community, our community so often feels the effects three to four times more than any other community.”
— Antjuan Seawright, campaign strategist for leading Black Democrats in Congress
Why this matters:
Climate change affects everyone, but Black communities often face the most severe consequences. Addressing this disparity is critical for both ethical reasons and effective voter mobilization.
Related:
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Oil and gas executives engage with Democrats despite tensions at convention
Despite sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, oil and gas industry representatives were active at the Democratic National Convention, aiming to influence discussions on energy policy.
In short:
- Oil and gas leaders attended the Democratic National Convention to ensure their industry remains part of the energy conversation.
- Industry optimism stems from Kamala Harris' softened stance on fracking, indicating the sector's ongoing relevance.
- Environmental activists protested their presence, accusing companies like Exxon of exacerbating climate change.
Key quote:
"We all know they are going to continue the old songs of price collusion and polluting for profits and all those things, but we’re reducing emissions more than anywhere else in the world …we are going to continue to send that message while we’re here."
— Mike Sommers, president of the American Petroleum Institute
Why this matters:
The oil and gas industry is navigating intense scrutiny while attempting to shape future energy policies. The outcome could impact the pace of the U.S. energy transition and the industry's role in it.
Related EHN coverage:
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Lawmakers investigate potential shale collusion affecting federal land leases
A group of Democratic lawmakers is investigating if shale oil companies colluded to manipulate oil prices, potentially affecting their federal land leases and operations.
In short:
- Democratic lawmakers have asked the Department of the Interior to consider suspending or banning oil companies from federal land leases due to alleged antitrust violations.
- An FTC investigation found evidence suggesting at least eight major shale producers, including ExxonMobil and Pioneer, engaged in collusion to drive oil prices up.
- The lawmakers' request follows the FTC’s six-month review of the ExxonMobil-Pioneer merger, which allowed the merger but restricted Pioneer’s former CEO from joining ExxonMobil’s board.
Key quote:
“If a company is found guilty of something like collusion, we have regulations in place that make them ineligible to hold a lease in the future.”
— Liz Klein, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director
Why this matters:
Collusion among shale producers could artificially inflate oil prices, burdening consumers and violating antitrust laws. Regulatory actions against these companies could disrupt their operations and impact their financial stability.
Related EHN coverage:
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Senate Democrats shift stance on Biden's EV policies amid reelection pressures
Amid the 2024 election campaign, some Senate Democrats in tough reelection races are distancing themselves from President Biden's electric vehicle policies as Republicans, led by Donald Trump, criticize the EV agenda.
In short:
- Trump has made opposition to EVs a key part of his campaign, criticizing Biden’s EV policies as harmful to the auto industry.
- Vulnerable Senate Democrats are modifying their stance on Biden’s EV policies, reflecting concerns in their home states about economic impacts and ties to China.
- The fossil fuel industry is funding ads in swing states to link Democratic senators to Biden's EV push, framing it as a threat to traditional auto jobs.
Key quote:
“The U.S. must ban Chinese electric vehicles now, and stop a flood of Chinese government-subsidized cars that threaten Ohio auto jobs, and our national and economic security.”
— Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator from Ohio
Why this matters:
In states with significant automotive manufacturing, the push for EVs has been met with concerns over job losses and economic displacement. The transition to electric cars involves not just a shift in consumer preferences but also a substantial transformation in manufacturing processes and supply chains. This has made some Democratic senators wary of fully endorsing the administration's policies, fearing backlash from constituents who rely on the traditional auto industry for their livelihoods.
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