Kamala Harris and the Climate Battle Ahead
Climate Change Legislation History: Kamala Harris's Stance on Fracking and Green New Deal Policies
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With the election on the horizon, let's take a look at Vice President Kamala Harris's stances on climate change and how they might shape her future actions.
In a sit-down with CNN, Harris discussed her unwavering beliefs on the climate crisis. Although her stance on topics like fracking has shifted during her political journey, her core values remain the same.
During her tenure in the Biden administration, Harris adopted a more pragmatic approach to addressing energy production, stating that the U.S. can grow its clean energy economy without banning fracking.
Harris pointed to the Inflation Reduction Act as a prime example of her efforts to combat climate change. This legislation earmarked hundreds of billions of dollars in tax subsidies and grants to bolster renewable energy projects and drive green jobs.
When asked about the Green New Deal, Harris praised its focus on time-bound objectives to address the climate crisis. She noted the administration's commitment to this goal, stating, "We did that with the Inflaction Reduction Act."
Governor Tim Walz, Harris's running mate, also boasts a strong record on environmental issues. Last year, he signed a law mandating that Minnesota's power plants transition to 100% climate-friendly energy like wind and solar by 2040.
A Legacy of Climate Action
President Biden has taken pride in his climate record, with experts lauding his efforts. In a recent address, Biden highlighted the Inflation Reduction Act as the most significant climate legislation in history.
On his first day in office, Biden reentered the Paris Agreement, a move that Harris wholeheartedly supported. As the U.S.'s representative at the UN climate conference in Dubai, she emphasized the need for global cooperation on this pressing issue.
However, climate activists have criticized the administration for not taking a more aggressive stance on halting fossil fuel extraction. Despite this, many agree that another term with Trump at the helm—alongside climate skeptic running mate JD Vance—would be disastrous for the environment.
Harris's Climate Past
Harris's previous presidential bid provides insight into her stance on climate change. During her time as California attorney general, she took on multinational corporations like ExxonMobil for allegedly misleading the public about climate change.
Harris has also been a vocal advocate for holding fossil fuel companies accountable, prosecuting a pipeline company and securing a significant settlement from Volkswagen over diesel emissions violations.
Before her political career, Harris established California's first Environmental Justice unit as San Francisco's district attorney, combatting pollution against disadvantaged communities.
Commentators see these achievements as a sign that Harris may take a tougher stance on the fossil fuel industry compared to Biden, potentially driving more ambitious climate action under a Harris administration.
Moving Forward
Harris has earned support from environmental groups like the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Green New Deal Network. She continues to back initiatives like the Green New Deal, offering hope to those seeking ambitious climate action.
Her commitment to addressing climate change as both an environmental and social equity issue sets her apart from Republican opponents who prioritize fossil fuel interests over the planet's future.
In the coming months, we'll see whether Harris can build on her record and lead the U.S. toward a green and equitable future. Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue.
- green new deal
- Joe Biden
- Donald Trump
- Kamala Harris
- Climate crisis
- Environment pollution
- Kamala Harris has expressed her commitment to combating the climate crisis, and her stance on this issue might strongly influence her future actions, particularly in a potential 2024 presidential election.
- During the Inflation Reduction Act's passage, Vice President Kamala Harris advocated for strategies to combat climate change, including tax subsidies and grants for renewable energy projects and the creation of green jobs.
- Vice President Kamala Harris's approach to environmental issues is rooted in both climate change mitigation and social equity concerns, distinguishing her from Republican opponents who prioritize fossil fuel interests.
- Kamala Harris's record as California's attorney general includes taking on companies like ExxonMobil for allegedly misleading the public about climate change and prosecuting pipeline companies for environmental violations.
- Environmental organizations like the Sierra Club, the League of Conservation Voters, and the Green New Deal Network have shown support for Kamala Harris, viewed as a viable leader in driving ambitious climate action and a green and equitable future.
