vice president
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Walz's shifting stance on environmental policy
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, once known for his conservative environmental record in Congress, has embraced aggressive climate policies as the vice presidential nominee.
Emma Dumain, Kelsey Brugger and Nico Portuondo report forE&E News.
In short:
- Walz supported controversial projects like the Keystone XL pipeline during his congressional tenure.
- As governor, he shifted to lead Minnesota in adopting stringent environmental policies, including a clean electricity standard targeting net-zero emissions by 2040.
- Observers note Walz’s evolution on climate policy aligns with broader shifts in the Democratic Party's priorities.
Key quote:
“He has evolved as his role has evolved and the issue of climate change has evolved.”
— Trent Bauserman, former congressional climate adviser
Why this matters:
Walz’s evolution reflects the growing importance of climate action in American politics.
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Kamala Harris distinguishes her environmental approach from Biden, facing GOP criticism
Vice President Kamala Harris, long an advocate for communities disproportionately affected by pollution, positions herself distinctively in the environmental realm, often clashing with Republicans who criticize her stance on equity in environmental policy.
Thomas Frank, Zack Colman, Annie Snider, and Alex Guillén report for POLITICO.
In short:
- Vice President Kamala Harris has focused on environmental justice for over a decade, aiming to mobilize Democrats and independents ahead of the 2024 election.
- GOP figures have criticized Harris' emphasis on equity, particularly after her remarks on resource distribution following Hurricane Ian.
- Harris' environmental policies and advocacy reflect her alignment with grassroots movements led predominantly by women of color.
Key quote:
“She was born a target for Republicans. Everything that she embodies is the antithesis of what the Rick Scotts of the world would like to see.”
— Chauncia Willis, executive director, Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management
Why this matters:
Harris' environmental policies could influence the 2024 election, especially among voters concerned with environmental justice. Her focus on equity highlights broader debates over how resources should be allocated to address climate impacts on marginalized communities.
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Examining Tim Walz's agricultural ties, climate record
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, faces scrutiny over his climate policies despite strong agricultural ties.
In short:
- Gov. Tim Walz's agricultural policies have earned him praise from climate advocates, but his support for ethanol and factory farming raises environmental concerns.
- Walz's legislative work, including the SOIL Stewardship Act, highlights his efforts to promote sustainable farming by improving soil health and carbon sequestration.
- Critics point to Walz's support for emissions-intensive agricultural practices, such as ethanol production, which conflicts with his environmental advocacy.
Key quote:
"On biofuels he’s indistinguishable from all the other Republicans and Democrats in Midwestern states, which is bowing at the altar of almighty corn."
— Ferd Hoefner, former policy director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Why this matters:
Ethanol, often touted as a greener alternative to fossil fuels, still poses challenges in terms of its actual carbon dioxide emissions and the extensive land use required for corn production, the primary source of ethanol in the United States. Meanwhile, factory farming, known for its efficiency in meeting global food demands, continues to be a significant source of methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and often involves practices that can lead to deforestation, water pollution and biodiversity loss.
Related:
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Tim Walz’s energy record sparks debate on environmental policies
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, has a mixed energy record, balancing aggressive low-carbon policies with controversial support for an oil pipeline.
Brian Dabbs, Carlos Anchondo, and Jeffrey Tomich report for E&E News.
In short:
- Governor Tim Walz has enacted one of the most aggressive carbon-free power laws in the U.S. but has faced criticism for supporting the Line 3 oil pipeline.
- Walz's energy policies aim to transition Minnesota's power sector to clean energy, yet his stance on fossil fuels has led to both praise and criticism.
- Environmentalists see his selection as a chance to further climate goals, while critics view it as a continuation of existing energy policies.
Key quote:
“His lack of action to stop the Line 3 pipeline shows a troubling deference to fossil fuel interests.”
— Collin Rees, political director of Oil Change U.S.
Why this matters:
Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate highlights the ongoing tension between advancing clean energy and maintaining fossil fuel infrastructure. His energy record reflects the complex challenges of balancing environmental progress with economic and political realities.
Related:
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Harris narrows potential VP picks to climate, energy moderates
Vice President Kamala Harris is considering running mates who balance her climate stance with moderate energy policies.
In short:
- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are among Harris' potential VP choices.
- Beshear and Cooper have a history of winning elections in conservative states, which could broaden Harris' appeal.
- Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who has supported water regulation policies, also emerges as a potential pick.
Key quote:
"I love serving the people of Kentucky. The only way I would consider something other than this current job is if I believed I could further help my people and to help this country."
— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky
Why this matters:
Choosing a moderate vice presidential candidate may help Harris appeal to a broader electorate. This strategy could be pivotal in securing critical electoral votes in the upcoming election.
Related EHN coverage:
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Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash
Overlooked at home, Harris builds climate authority abroad
As she traveled, Vice President Kamala Harris garnered more than $7 billion in financial commitments from the United States and global private sector for climate adaptation, resilience and mitigation.
www.theatlantic.com
The question that haunts climate advocates
The economics of renewable energy drive the cost and feasibility of climate policy - and they have dramatically shifted for the better. But the Democratic Party still faces the same coalition issues that doomed its effort more than a decade ago.
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