presidential election
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:
Harris secures endorsement from Green New Deal Network
Vice President Kamala Harris has received a significant endorsement from the Green New Deal Network, boosting her 2024 campaign as the Democratic presidential nominee.
Marianne Lavelle and Keerti Gopal report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- The Green New Deal Network, comprising progressive youth and environmental justice groups, has endorsed Harris, seeing her as a strong advocate for climate action and social justice.
- The endorsement could strengthen Harris' support among young and progressive voters but also provide ammunition for opponents labeling her as too radical.
- The Green New Deal Network views Harris as capable of energizing the Democratic base, particularly among young voters and people of color.
Key quote:
"This has really lit a candle of hope for a lot of us that have been in the doldrums for the past year or so."
— Kaniela Ing, national director of the Green New Deal Network
Why this matters:
Kamala Harris’ endorsement by a key climate coalition underscores the importance of climate change in the 2024 election. This support may help solidify her stance among climate-conscious voters and shape the Democratic strategy in swing states.
William S. Becker: Climate change is still the top issue in the 2024 election
There is some debate over whether global warming is a crisis. It is. Voters and candidates must treat it as one.
GOP’s climate counter punch: pushing more fossil fuels
Republicans are confident they’ve found an issue that can help them unseat President Joe Biden and expand their control of the Hill: fossil fuels.
Climate scientists hail Brazil election results as a victory for 'humanity and life itself'
The fate of the Amazon rainforest was on the ballot in Brazil’s presidential election runoff on Sunday, according to climate change experts, and with the narrow victory for former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over President Jair Bolsonaro, they say the Amazon and the planet won.
What 2020’s bizarre economy taught us about climate change
U.S. carbon pollution hasn't been this low in decades—that's the bad news.
Michael Bennet: Time is running out on climate change. Trump must go
The clock is ticking. By the time the next president is sworn into office in 2021, scientists say we will have just nine years until our climate is damaged beyond repair.