Republican incumbents in tight races struggle with climate issues
Environmental activists are targeting vulnerable Republican incumbents in competitive districts, accusing them of weak climate policies ahead of the 2024 election.
Marianne Lavelle and Liza Gross report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- GOP members like Marc Molinaro (N.Y.) and Kevin Kiley (Calif.) speak about climate change but support legislation that promotes fossil fuels and rolls back clean energy initiatives.
- Environmental advocates are rallying in districts across California and New York to challenge these incumbents’ voting records and promote Democratic candidates.
- Democrats need to flip four seats to regain control of the House, with climate action as a central campaign issue in many battleground districts.
Key quote:
"They’re paying lip service to dealing with the everyday impacts of climate change, while not actually addressing the root cause of it."
— Michael Cassesso, political and advocacy director for NRDC Action Fund
Why this matters:
Environmental groups believe that securing a pro-climate House majority is critical to protecting progress made during President Biden’s term. Many vulnerable districts have already faced the consequences of extreme weather linked to climate change, raising the stakes in the upcoming election.
Read more: Republicans’ growing distrust in science is a danger to public health
