energy policy
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A Harris presidency could reshape the US climate policy
Vice President Harris, known for her strong environmental stance, might carry forward Biden’s climate policies with significant implications for the U.S.'s climate future.
Joshua Partlow and Brady Dennis report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Environmentalists have praised Harris' voting record on environmental issues, including sponsoring the Green New Deal.
- The Biden-Harris administration has significantly advanced renewable energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and reversed Trump-era rollbacks on pollution regulations.
- Harris’s running mate selection could influence her climate agenda, especially in battleground states reliant on fossil fuels.
Key quote:
“I think these issues really are core to who she is, and she cares deeply. I think she would be rock solid and determined to carry on and build on the progress of this administration.”
— Tiernan Sittenfeld, senior vice president for government affairs at the League of Conservation Voters.
Why this matters:
With a track record of supporting green initiatives and a commitment to environmental justice, Kamala Harris's potential presidency could mean ramped-up efforts to curb emissions, invest in renewable energy, and hold polluters accountable. Read more: Speaker Mike Johnson’s climate change playbook — deny the science, take the funding.
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Biden steps aside, endorsing Harris as climate advocate
In a historic move, President Joe Biden withdraws from the presidential race, endorsing Kamala Harris, highlighting her strong climate action record.
In short:
- President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek re-election, endorsing Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
- Harris has been a key player in Biden’s climate initiatives, including the Inflation Reduction Act and international climate commitments.
- As California's Attorney General, Harris prosecuted major environmental cases and created an environmental justice unit.
Key quote:
“We must do more. Our action collectively, or worse, our inaction will impact billions of people for decades to come.”
— Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States
Why this matters:
In Kamala Harris, advocates and environmentalists would certainly have a strong ally in the White House, one who's not afraid to make bold moves.The big question is: Can she rally Congress to back her vision? Because while the presidency has its powers, transforming climate policy requires serious legislative muscle.
For more context, listen to our conversation with Jalonne White-Newsome, Senior Director for Environmental Justice at the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
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A blueprint for reshaping climate regulations under a second Trump administration
The Project 2025 plan outlines a conservative vision for dismantling EPA climate regulations if Trump returns to the White House.
In short:
- Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, details how a second Trump term could weaken the EPA and reshape climate regulations.
- The plan includes reducing industries required to report greenhouse gas emissions and reviving policies from Trump's first term.
- Transparency and cost-benefit analysis are central themes, aiming to limit EPA's regulatory reach.
Key quote:
“The biggest difference is we have a plan from Day One, we’re going to start implementing it, and we won’t be as susceptible to process problems that really sunk a couple of those final regulatory proposals and actions we took at the tail end of the administration.”
— Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA chief of staff
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is not just a high-level manifesto; it's a step-by-step guide to neutering the EPA and rolling back climate regulations that took years to put in place. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Record oil profits highlight the long road to renewable energy
Despite global efforts to shift to renewables, U.S. oil producers are raking in record profits thanks to high prices and demand.
In short:
- U.S. oil companies, recovering from the pandemic slump, are now seeing significant profits due to market forces and geopolitical events.
- Many oil companies have shifted strategies, focusing on financial returns by cutting costs and improving efficiency.
- Despite increasing renewable energy adoption, global demand for oil continues to grow, with the U.S. leading in production.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to get out of this business because supply was squeezed, because there’s plenty of it. We’re going to get out of the business because demand went down.”
— Samantha Gross, director at Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
This tug-of-war between old-school energy and the shiny new kids on the block highlights the tough balancing act of transitioning to a cleaner future. For now, Big Oil's got its foot firmly on the gas pedal, leaving us all to wonder how long this joyride can last. Read more: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
GOP plans major rollbacks of US climate policies if victorious in elections
A Republican sweep in upcoming elections could mean a dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy, undoing many of Biden’s key environmental initiatives.
In short:
- Republicans could defund or dismantle federal environmental agencies, roll back climate regulations, and boost fossil fuel usage.
- Key GOP proposals include increasing oil drilling, slashing fees for fossil fuel companies, and cutting funding for clean energy initiatives.
- A potential win for Republicans might also see the repeal of Biden’s 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, impacting investments in green technologies.
Key quote:
“There is no doubt that a second Trump administration would pick up where it left off — whether it was conventional energy, oil and gas pipelines, or the market-dictated acceleration of the renewable energy transition.”
— Alex Herrgott, executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council under Trump
Why this matters:
This isn’t just a color change on the electoral map; it’s a seismic shift in climate policy that could reshape the nation's environmental trajectory. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump selects climate skeptic J.D. Vance as running mate
Former President Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, known for his skeptical stance on climate change, as his vice-presidential running mate, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
In short:
- Vance, a first-term senator and author of "Hillbilly Elegy," was chosen over other prominent Republicans.
- He has focused on rail safety and is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan "Railway Safety Act."
- Vance has consistently dismissed climate change concerns and opposed green energy policies, favoring traditional energy sources and criticizing Chinese environmental practices.
Key quote:
"J.D. Vance is Donald Trump’s dream come true — a climate denier who is all too happy to do Big Oil’s bidding and pad their profits at the expense of working people.”
— Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power.
Why this matters:
Vance's selection is indicative of the Republican Party's continued resistance to climate change policies. Critics argue that his policies could exacerbate environmental degradation in the very areas he claims to champion, while supporters believe his strategy will rejuvenate local economies and provide much-needed jobs. Read more: East Palestine, Ohio, derailment reveals gaps in public health response to chemical emergencies, experts say.
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Credit: Douglas Fischer
Montana’s Supreme Court debates climate law's constitutionality
A landmark climate lawsuit in Montana questions whether a state law supporting fossil fuel development infringes on constitutional rights to a healthy environment.
Nicholas Kusnetz and Najifa Farhat report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Montana's Supreme Court heard arguments about a law that prohibits considering climate impacts in fossil fuel project approvals, challenged by 16 youths.
- Plaintiffs argue the law violates Montana’s constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment," with potential national implications.
- The state’s defense claims Montana's emissions are too minor to affect global climate change, questioning the court's jurisdiction.
Key quote:
“Any environmental case that gets to the Supreme Court is dead on arrival. That’s why people are going to the states.”
— Patrick Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School
Why this matters:
The case could set a precedent for constitutional climate rights, influencing environmental policy and legal actions nationwide, especially as federal regulations face challenges. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.
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