j d vance
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.
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:
JD Vance's involvement weakens environmental regulations on steel emissions
Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance played a significant role in weakening federal rules aimed at protecting steelworkers and nearby communities from harmful emissions, according to documents reviewed by The Lever.
In short:
- JD Vance urged the EPA to drop proposed rules to limit carcinogenic emissions from steel plants, claiming it would harm U.S. steel production and the economy.
- The EPA's revised rules, influenced by Vance and others, weakened protections against emissions known to cause cancer and respiratory diseases.
- Vance's actions reveal a pattern of prioritizing industrial interests over public health, echoing his past opposition to environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“We have 4 air purifiers, which need [to be] cleaned every 2 days. I try to dust every day, but it's worthless. It's back by that night. My doctor told us if we don't move we'll be in an early grave. You can taste it in your mouth.”
— Clairton, PA resident in a 2023 comment letter to the EPA
Why this matters:
While deregulation may promise short-term economic gains, the long-term health consequences can be severe, especially for those already living on the edge. Read more: EHN's Pittsburgh reporter discusses air pollution from U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works.
Protest highlights billionaire influence on Vance and urges Harris to act on climate
Activists from the Sunrise Movement protested at Sen. J.D. Vance’s office and urged Kamala Harris to champion climate action, targeting Vance’s ties to Big Oil.
In short:
- Youth-led Sunrise Movement protested at Sen. J.D. Vance’s office, highlighting his ties to the oil industry and calling for climate action.
- The group marched to the DNC to demand Kamala Harris adopt stronger climate policies, including clean energy investments and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
- The activists aim to galvanize young voters by pushing Harris to distinguish herself from Biden’s policies and take a firm stand on climate issues.
Key quote:
“This is your chance to energize young people and our communities to vote, mount one of the greatest political comebacks in decades, and deliver a resounding defeat to the far-right agenda of Trump and Vance."
— Letter to Harris, co-signed by Gen Z for Change, March for Our Lives and United We Dream Action
Why this matters:
Frustration with billionaire influence in politics is galvanizing youth activists and pushing Vice President Kamala Harris to seize the moment and champion bold climate action. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.
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.
Ohio senate contest features two candidates who profess love for natural gas
Despite the “cringe factor” surrounding his support for fossil fuels, Democrats support Tim Ryan in the race against J.D. Vance.