donald trump
Newsletter
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State climate plans could face major changes if Trump returns to the White House
As states implement ambitious climate projects with federal funding, many are concerned that a Trump victory in the upcoming election could reverse much of their progress.
In short:
- States like Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Utah are investing federal funds to reduce emissions and combat climate change, but fear that Trump could slow these efforts.
- While Trump cannot directly repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, he could delay grants, tax credits, and loans essential for climate projects.
- Republican-led states, despite prior resistance, are also using federal money to develop their climate initiatives.
Key quote:
“Even if the money is technically safe, we would definitely expect to see agencies [in a Trump administration] dragging their feet.”
— Rachel Jacobson, lead researcher of state climate policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Why this matters:
The Inflation Reduction Act’s funding has empowered states to make critical investments in green technology and infrastructure. If these projects are delayed or defunded, it could stall progress on climate change and affect economic development in both red and blue states.
Related:
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Biden may leave several environmental and health regulations unfinished
Key Biden administration regulations on worker protections, toxic chemicals and climate change remain unfinished, and their future will likely depend on the outcome of the 2024 election.
In short:
- Worker heat protection rules, proposed to safeguard employees during extreme temperatures, are unlikely to be completed before Biden leaves office.
- A key rule to limit gas plant emissions remains incomplete, with further regulations postponed to a future administration.
- Restrictions on PFAS, toxic "forever chemicals," remain in development, though a proposed rule has yet to surface.
Key quote:
"We are talking about a very real danger, and workers are suffering and without any kind of federal protection — that puts a lot of workers in danger."
— Juley Fulcher, worker health and safety advocate at the group Public Citizen
Why this matters:
Unfinished regulations on climate and health protections could be shelved or undone by a future administration. As extreme heat and toxic chemical exposure worsen, delayed actions may lead to greater environmental and public health risks.
Read more: Biden's climate push intensifies as elections near
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Warren bets big on Trump as energy moguls eye policy gains
Kelcy Warren, the billionaire behind Energy Transfer, has invested $5 million in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, hoping for favorable energy policies if Trump wins.
In short:
- Warren’s energy firm, Energy Transfer, built the Dakota Access Pipeline despite protests and profited during the 2021 Texas blackout.
- A second Trump administration could ease regulations on natural gas exports and pipeline projects, boosting Warren's business.
- Warren’s $5 million contribution makes him a top donor from the oil and gas industry to Trump.
Key quote:
“We have bad billionaire players that are only funding other billionaires ... to allow the destruction of Mother Earth.”
— Doug Crow Ghost, water resources director, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Why this matters:
Warren's political donations could influence future energy policies that affect environmental regulations. Support for Trump aligns with oil and gas industry interests that face scrutiny under current climate policy goals.
Related EHN coverage:
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Australia weighs delay on 2035 climate goals amid US election uncertainty
Australia may postpone its 2035 climate target announcement until after its election, citing uncertainty around the U.S. election outcome.
In short:
- Australia may miss its February 2025 deadline to announce its 2035 climate target, awaiting the US election results.
- A report suggests Australia could cut emissions by 65%-75% by 2035, but the government awaits further recommendations.
- Th U.S. election outcome could heavily influence global climate policy.
Key quote:
“A Harris presidency would likely see the U.S. continue to exert pressure on all countries, including Australia, to set a strong 2035 target as soon as possible.”
— Erwin Jackson, director of policy, Investor Group on Climate Change
Why this matters:
Delaying climate goals can slow global progress toward reducing emissions. The US election outcome may impact how aggressively other countries act to combat climate change.
More: Fuel emissions debate fuels Australia's climate conversation
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Trump and Vance make misleading claims about Harris's energy policies in swing states
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are falsely accusing Kamala Harris of supporting extreme energy policies during their campaign stops in key swing states.
In short:
- Trump and Vance claim Harris will mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases, but no such mandate exists.
- They allege Harris is outsourcing EV jobs to China, though U.S. tariffs and incentives are bolstering domestic production.
- Trump warns of electricity shortages, but experts say the U.S. grid can adapt to rising energy demand with the right investments.
Key quote:
“Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”
— Ammar Moussa, Harris campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
Misinformation about energy policies can influence voter opinions in critical swing states. Fact-checking these claims is essential for informed decision-making ahead of the election.
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Heat-related illnesses surge at Trump rallies as extreme weather intensifies
More than 78 attendees at Donald Trump’s rallies have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses in recent months, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat at outdoor campaign events.
In short:
- Trump's rallies have seen a rise in heat-related hospitalizations, with over 78 cases in the past three months.
- Both Trump and Harris campaigns provide water and medical assistance, but they hold opposing views on climate policy.
- Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, poses increasing risks to outdoor events, particularly in swing states.
Key quote:
“I’m up here sweating like a dog. This is hard work.”
— Donald Trump, former U.S. president
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures, fueled by climate change, are endangering public events, making it critical to address climate policy. Outdoor rallies in swing states, crucial to presidential campaigns, are increasingly impacted by these hazardous conditions.
Related EHN coverage:
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Trump promises to repeal power plant rule and slash energy costs
Former President Donald Trump, campaigning in Pennsylvania, pledged to cut energy costs by half within his first year in office, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris's energy policies, including her stance on fracking and power plant regulations.
In short:
- Trump vowed to repeal the Biden administration’s power plant regulations, labeling them as harmful to American energy.
- JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed these sentiments, promising to prioritize domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
- Trump and Vance emphasized that their energy policies would benefit American workers and reduce costs.
Key quote:
“Kamala Harris cares more about climate change than about inflation. She prefers solar panels and wind turbines to American jobs.”
— JD Vance, U.S. Senator from Ohio and vice presidential candidate
Why this matters:
Energy policies will be a major focus in the 2024 election, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. Trump’s promises aim to sway voters concerned about energy costs and job security.
Related EHN coverage:
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