donald trump
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Heat-related illnesses surge at Trump rallies as extreme weather intensifies
More than 78 attendees at Donald Trump’s rallies have been hospitalized due to heat-related illnesses in recent months, highlighting the dangers of extreme heat at outdoor campaign events.
In short:
- Trump's rallies have seen a rise in heat-related hospitalizations, with over 78 cases in the past three months.
- Both Trump and Harris campaigns provide water and medical assistance, but they hold opposing views on climate policy.
- Extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, poses increasing risks to outdoor events, particularly in swing states.
Key quote:
“I’m up here sweating like a dog. This is hard work.”
— Donald Trump, former U.S. president
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures, fueled by climate change, are endangering public events, making it critical to address climate policy. Outdoor rallies in swing states, crucial to presidential campaigns, are increasingly impacted by these hazardous conditions.
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Trump promises to repeal power plant rule and slash energy costs
Former President Donald Trump, campaigning in Pennsylvania, pledged to cut energy costs by half within his first year in office, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris's energy policies, including her stance on fracking and power plant regulations.
In short:
- Trump vowed to repeal the Biden administration’s power plant regulations, labeling them as harmful to American energy.
- JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, echoed these sentiments, promising to prioritize domestic energy production and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
- Trump and Vance emphasized that their energy policies would benefit American workers and reduce costs.
Key quote:
“Kamala Harris cares more about climate change than about inflation. She prefers solar panels and wind turbines to American jobs.”
— JD Vance, U.S. Senator from Ohio and vice presidential candidate
Why this matters:
Energy policies will be a major focus in the 2024 election, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania. Trump’s promises aim to sway voters concerned about energy costs and job security.
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Reversing climate policies under Trump could lead to severe environmental damage
A new study finds that if Donald Trump implements the rightwing Project 2025 climate policies, the U.S. will see a massive increase in carbon emissions, job losses and economic setbacks.
In short:
- Project 2025 would add 2.7 billion tons of carbon emissions by 2030, harming U.S. climate goals.
- The plan could eliminate 1.7 million clean energy jobs and cut $320 billion from the GDP.
- Environmental protections, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, could be dismantled.
Key quote:
"These future policy pathways result in stark differences for our health, our pocketbooks, the economy and climate."
— Anand Gopal, executive director of policy research at the nonpartisan thinktank Energy Innovation
Why this matters:
Rolling back climate protections will drastically increase emissions and economic instability. With climate change already impacting daily life, policies that reverse progress could exacerbate global environmental challenges.
Related:
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Wind companies invest $93M in mid-Atlantic despite looming Trump opposition
The offshore wind industry showed resilience by committing $93 million in bids for mid-Atlantic projects, undeterred by the potential return of Trump to the White House.
In short:
- The Biden administration secured $93 million in bids for offshore wind projects off Delaware, Maryland and Virginia despite industry challenges and political uncertainty.
- Trump has vowed to target the offshore wind industry if reelected, but developers appear confident in the sector's long-term prospects.
- The Interior Department auction results reflect growing state-level commitments to offshore wind, with major projects planned for the mid-Atlantic.
Key quote:
“Today’s lease sale reflects the forward momentum we are seeing to power millions of American homes with clean energy and create good-paying, climate jobs.”
— Ali Zaidi, White House climate adviser
Why this matters:
The auction's success suggests continued confidence in offshore wind development, even as political threats and economic challenges loom. The projects are significant for meeting renewable energy targets and mitigating climate change.
Related: Trump's return could severely impact Biden's wind power initiatives
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Trump eyes former allies for possible EPA leadership role
Donald Trump may tap a former EPA chief or top advisor to lead the agency if he wins a second term, aiming to dismantle Biden-era regulations.
In short:
- Andrew Wheeler, Trump’s last EPA head, is a leading contender if Trump wins, with support from key former officials.
- Mandy Gunasekara, another former EPA official, has declined interest despite being a strong candidate.
- Trump may also consider other loyalists like Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto or Doug Benevento.
Key quote:
“They need to be able to set an agenda and go immediately.”
— Former Trump EPA official
Why this matters:
Trump’s EPA leader would face the challenge of rapidly rolling back environmental regulations and reshaping the agency. The appointment could significantly weaken U.S. environmental policy and hinder efforts to combat climate change.
Related EHN coverage:
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The truths and lies of Trump and Musk's X conversation on climate change
In a two-hour conversation on X, former President Trump and Elon Musk debated climate change, offering mixed views on the issue.
Brad Plumer and Raymond Zhong report for The New York Times.
In short:
- Musk warned that an immediate halt to fossil fuels would be catastrophic, but supported a gradual transition to renewable energy over 50-100 years. He didn't acknowledge even the most aggressive energy transition plans envision a gradual process.
- Trump expressed skepticism about the viability of electric cars and criticized President Biden’s rollback of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, falsely claiming the protected area has more oil than Saudi Arabia.
- Both discussed the potential role of nuclear power, with Musk highlighting its safety compared to fossil fuels.
- They also discussed EV reliance on fossil fuels, cattle ranching relationship to climate change and the effects of carbon dioxide, among other subjects.
Key quote:
“Nuclear electricity generation is underrated...it’s actually one of the safest forms of electricity generation.”
— Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.
Why this matters:
Musk and Trump influence millions, making their views on climate and energy critical in shaping public opinion and policy. Their contrasting perspectives reflect broader divisions in the American public on how to tackle climate change and manage the transition to sustainable energy. As leaders with vast influence, their views, sometimes based on misinformation, not only drive discourse but also have the potential to steer the direction of national and global climate policies.
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Harris and Trump battle over fracking stance in Pennsylvania
Vice President Kamala Harris has distanced herself from her past anti-fracking stance, while Donald Trump continues to use it to sway voters in Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
In short:
- Kamala Harris previously supported banning fracking, a stance she has since reversed, while Trump continues to highlight her former position to appeal to voters in Pennsylvania.
- Trump accused Harris of supporting the Green New Deal and warned she would destroy the oil and gas industry, despite her current support for Biden's energy policies.
- Fracking is a divisive topic in Pennsylvania, with the gas industry boosting local economies and inspiring backlash, especially in Philadelphia suburbs.
Key quote:
“It’s safe to say that we and a lot of other folks are eager to hear from the vice president.”
— Dustin Meyer, senior vice president at the American Petroleum Institute
Why this matters:
The energy policies in Pennsylvania could impact the 2024 election outcomes. With both candidates focusing on energy strategies, voters' opinions on fracking may influence the state's political landscape.
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