Could Harris’ Bold Climate Vision Transform the Future?

Transition of Power: Biden Steps Aside

After weeks of speculation and pressure, President Biden opted out of the race, making him the first sitting president to do so close to Election Day. In his announcement, Biden expressed that stepping down was in the best interest of his party and the nation, allowing him to focus fully on his presidential duties.

Endorsing his vice president, Kamala Harris, Biden showed his trust in her leadership. Harris, in turn, announced her intent to run, aiming to secure the nomination with Biden’s full support. The political landscape is now set for a dramatic shift as Harris steps onto the national stage.

During his term, Biden pushed through significant policies, most notably the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – a landmark climate law poised to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 42% from 2005 levels by 2030. Biden hailed it as “the most significant climate legislation in the history of the world.”

However, despite his achievements, Biden faced criticism for appearing frail during a debate, leading many to question his capacity to lead for another term. With some of his climate agenda left unfulfilled, the U.S. still risks missing its 2030 emissions reduction target.

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Harris’ Climate Advocacy and Vision

Former President Trump has pledged to dismantle many of Biden’s policies, including parts of the IRA. His advisors have even crafted plans to roll back national climate and environmental protections. The Democratic nominee will bear the responsibility of defending the country’s climate legacy from these attacks.

With Biden’s endorsement, Harris emerges as the favored Democratic nominee, but her road to nomination isn’t guaranteed. The Democratic National Convention is only weeks away, and the delegates who once supported Biden must now decide whether to back Harris or hold an open convention.

As vice president, Harris championed a $20 billion fund for the EPA to aid communities hit hardest by climate impacts. She promoted the IRA’s clean energy investments and played a pivotal role in international climate talks, announcing ambitious U.S. commitments to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Harris’ efforts at COP28 and her $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund underscore her dedication to global climate action. Though the Treasury Department noted the funding was contingent on availability, her announcements reflected a strong commitment to helping developing nations adapt to climate challenges.

Harris’ Legislative and Legal Efforts

Evergreen Action, a climate-focused group, praised Harris for her integral role in the Biden administration’s climate successes. Her track record as a climate advocate is long and impactful, though some of her figures, like the “$1 trillion over 10 years” investment claim, have been critiqued as potentially overstated.

In her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris proposed a $10 trillion climate plan, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045 and ambitious goals for zero-emission vehicles. While the plan was largely aspirational, her legislative history offers a clearer picture of her environmental priorities.

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As San Francisco’s district attorney, Harris established an environmental justice unit to combat environmental crimes affecting the city’s poorest residents. Although the unit filed only a few lawsuits, it marked the beginning of her focus on environmental justice.

As California’s attorney general, Harris secured significant settlements for environmental violations, including an $86 million deal with Volkswagen over emissions cheating and a $11.5 million settlement with Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for gas station violations. She also pursued criminal charges against an oil company for a 2015 spill.

Looking Ahead: Harris’ Climate Commitment

Harris’ history of legal action against environmental violators demonstrates her commitment to holding polluters accountable. Her efforts as attorney general included a high-profile investigation into ExxonMobil’s climate change disclosures and a rigorous pursuit of justice in the Santa Barbara oil spill case.

At the climate summit in Dubai, Harris emphasized the urgency of collective action, warning that inaction could affect billions for decades. Her statements reflect a deep understanding of the long-term impacts of climate policy decisions.

Harris’ potential presidency offers hope for continued and expanded climate action. Her background indicates a willingness to fight for environmental justice and push forward ambitious climate policies.

The coming months will reveal whether Harris can secure the Democratic nomination and, if successful, how her presidency could reshape the nation’s climate strategy. Her leadership could be pivotal in navigating the challenges ahead.

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