electoral politics
Newsletter
Trump's allies celebrate significant legal wins in energy and environmental regulation
Former Trump administration officials are feeling good about the potential for a second Trump term, following a series of favorable Supreme Court rulings that could reshape environmental regulations.
In short:
- The Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, potentially limiting agency authority on regulations, has energized Trump allies.
- Conservatives view recent court rulings as paving the way for challenges to Biden administration climate policies.
- Former Trump officials are optimistic about a second Trump term, which they believe could further dismantle regulatory constraints.
Key quote:
“It’s a very big deal and it opens the gate for reconsideration of a lot of environmental decisions and rules..."
— Mandy Gunasekara, former EPA chief of staff during the Trump administration
Why this matters:
These developments could significantly alter the regulatory landscape, reducing agency power and impacting climate change policies, with far-reaching implications for environmental health and regulatory oversight. Read more: Supreme Court undoing 50 years’ worth of environmental progress.
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Top Story
Climate change gets short shrift in presidential debate
In a CNN-hosted debate, climate change was mentioned briefly, with Biden highlighting the Inflation Reduction Act and Trump offering an incoherent response.
In short:
- Biden pointed to his administration’s clean energy policies, notably the Inflation Reduction Act and the creation of the American Climate Corps.
- Trump avoided a direct answer, instead boasting about environmental numbers and criticizing the Paris Agreement.
- Climate experts were disappointed by the debate's lack of substantial discussion on climate change.
Key quote:
“More time discussing golf than climate. What a world we are living in.”
— Jeff Goodell, author of The Heat Will Kill You First
Why this matters:
Climate change remains a critical issue with far-reaching health and environmental impacts. This debate highlighted the stark contrast between the candidates' approaches, emphasizing the election’s significance for future climate policy. More reading: Trump’s other war is going well.
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Newsletter
Hours before first presidential debate, EPA head addresses past setbacks and future challenges
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan aims to reassure employees about the agency's future and rebuke past efforts to undermine climate science.
In short:
- EPA Administrator Michael Regan will address employees today, just a few hours before the first presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, about the agency's recovery since Trump sidelined climate scientists and slashed staff.
- Regan will highlight the hiring of 5,200 new employees under Biden and emphasize the need for a robust EPA amid escalating climate crises.
- New protections have been implemented to shield EPA research from political interference in anticipation of potential future challenges.
Key quote:
“The previous administration ambushed scientific integrity — undermining our agency’s most fundamental principles.”
— Michael Regan, EPA Administrator.
Why this matters:
The future relevance of the EPA is crucial for maintaining scientific integrity and addressing climate change, especially with ongoing extreme weather events and the looming threat of policy reversal under a potential second Trump term. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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Newsletter
Trump rallies GOP against Biden's energy policies
In a rally with GOP senators, Trump criticized Biden's energy policies and electric vehicle mandates, emphasizing a high-level vision for his potential second term without delving into specific policy reversals.
In short:
- Trump reiterated his "drill baby drill" stance and criticized Biden's energy policies, including mandates for electric vehicles.
- GOP senators mentioned Trump's focus was on broad vision rather than detailed policy plans, avoiding specifics on repealing the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Democrats emphasize the potential negative impact of GOP plans to repeal the IRA, highlighting risks to climate change efforts and related investments.
Key quote:
“I take it very seriously they will go into the Inflation Reduction Act and stop every aspect of it they possibly can that has to do with climate change.”
— Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Why this matters:
Trump's energy stance highlights a major policy divide as the GOP prepares for upcoming elections, with potential implications for climate change policies and economic impacts related to energy costs. Read more: As the nation reels, Trump Administration continues environmental policy rollbacks.
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President Biden's conservation efforts face uncertainty as Trump eyes return
President Biden's ambitious plan to conserve 30% of US land and water by 2030 is making progress, but a potential Trump return threatens these gains.
In short:
- Biden aims to protect 30% of US lands and waters by 2030, with significant strides made since his inauguration.
- Trump's possible return could undo these efforts, as he plans to expand oil and gas drilling and reduce protected areas.
- The 30x30 initiative has influenced global conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of setting aside land to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Key quote:
“We would fight that agenda from Trump and his fossil fuel allies but I’d rather we not have to. The stakes for the election are high.”
— Dan Hartinger, senior director of policy advocacy at the Wilderness Society Action Fund
Why this matters:
Biden's actions not only advance national conservation goals but also set a precedent for global environmental efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. However, these efforts risk being reversed if Trump is re-elected. Read more: Giving Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante the protection they deserve.
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Newsletter
Green party faces setbacks in EU elections
Green parties in the European Union have lost significant ground in the latest elections, prompting concerns about the future of the Green Deal and climate policies.
In short:
- Green parties dropped from fourth to sixth place in the European Parliament, with their vote share nearly halved in Germany.
- The Greens saw smaller victories in Denmark and Sweden but managed to secure a coalition victory in the Netherlands.
- The decline in Green votes is attributed to shifting voter concerns towards war and economic issues.
Key quote:
“This election will not make the climate and nature crisis any less existential. Flooding, droughts and heatwaves will only get worse – and all newly elected politicians will have to act to maintain our planet’s ability to sustain life and give our children a future.”
— Ariadna Rodrigo, campaigner at Greenpeace EU
Why this matters:
These results suggest a potential weakening of climate ambitions in the EU, which could hinder progress on environmental policies affecting global health and sustainability. Read more: The chemical industry may have killed a landmark EU chemical policy. Here’s what that means for the US.
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Haley attacks DeSantis over ethanol at biofuels summit
Nikki Haley criticized Ron DeSantis' attempts to end a federal ethanol mandate that DeSantis said he now supports.
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