As the Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris is garnering support from environmental groups who see her as a strong ally in the fight against climate change. With a record dating back two decades, Harris has been a consistent advocate for environmental protection and has worked to address issues of pollution in marginalized communities.
Harris’ commitment to environmental justice can be traced back to her time as San Francisco’s district attorney in 2005 when she established one of the country’s first environmental justice units. This unit was tasked with holding polluters in disadvantaged neighborhoods accountable for their actions. While some critics felt she could have been tougher on major offenders, Harris continued her environmental work when she became California’s attorney general in 2010.
During her tenure as attorney general, Harris brought criminal charges against Plains All-American Pipeline for a significant oil spill and investigated ExxonMobil for potentially misleading the public about climate change risks. Her efforts culminated in California suing ExxonMobil and other oil companies, demonstrating her commitment to holding big oil accountable for their actions.
In her role as a U.S. Senator, Harris co-sponsored the Green New Deal, a comprehensive climate action plan, and supported a ban on fracking during her 2019 presidential campaign. While she no longer advocates for a fracking ban, Harris has continued to push for aggressive climate policies, including backing the Biden administration’s initiatives to reduce fossil fuel pollution.
Harris’ choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate further solidifies her commitment to climate action. Walz has a track record of climate leadership in his home state, signing a law requiring all Minnesota power plants to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2040. This partnership underscores Harris’ dedication to addressing climate change at both the state and federal levels.
Endorsements from environmental groups like the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, and the Green New Deal Network highlight Harris’ strong support within the environmental community. Prominent advocates for climate action, including former U.S. climate envoy John Kerry and Washington State Governor Jay Inslee, have also thrown their support behind Harris.
Despite the progress made under the Biden administration, climate advocates believe there is still much work to be done. The U.S. is not on track to meet its emissions reduction goals under the Paris Agreement, signaling the need for more aggressive climate policies. Activists hope that a Harris administration would prioritize incentives for cutting emissions in sectors like heavy industry and agriculture, as well as accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
In addition to addressing climate change, advocates are calling for a renewed focus on environmental justice issues. Frontline communities, which have historically borne the brunt of pollution from fossil fuel industries, need greater attention and support. While the Biden administration has taken steps in the right direction, activists believe that more can be done to ensure that these communities are protected and empowered in the face of climate change.
As the 2024 election approaches, Vice President Kamala Harris’ environmental record and commitment to climate action have positioned her as a strong candidate for those who prioritize environmental protection and sustainability. With endorsements from key environmental groups and a history of advocating for environmental justice, Harris has the potential to lead the country towards a greener and more sustainable future.