kamala harris climate policy
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.
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.