kamala harris
Trump and Vance make misleading claims about Harris's energy policies in swing states
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance are falsely accusing Kamala Harris of supporting extreme energy policies during their campaign stops in key swing states.
In short:
- Trump and Vance claim Harris will mandate electric vehicle (EV) purchases, but no such mandate exists.
- They allege Harris is outsourcing EV jobs to China, though U.S. tariffs and incentives are bolstering domestic production.
- Trump warns of electricity shortages, but experts say the U.S. grid can adapt to rising energy demand with the right investments.
Key quote:
“Vice President Harris does not support an electric vehicle mandate.”
— Ammar Moussa, Harris campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
Misinformation about energy policies can influence voter opinions in critical swing states. Fact-checking these claims is essential for informed decision-making ahead of the election.
Harris revises stance on fracking, raising energy policy concerns
Vice President Kamala Harris has softened her position on banning fracking, but oil, gas, and environmental advocates remain uncertain about her broader energy policies.
In short:
- Harris reversed her previous support for a fracking ban, citing economic growth through clean energy.
- Oil and gas industry leaders welcome the shift but seek more clarity on her overall energy vision.
- Environmental groups express disappointment, emphasizing the need for stronger climate leadership.
Key quote:
“There are so many other critical energy policies where the vice president’s perspective remains an open question.”
— Dustin Meyer, head of policy at the American Petroleum Institute
Why this matters:
KamalaHarris’ revised stance reflects a balancing act between economic and environmental concerns. As the election nears, her position could influence key swing states where fracking is economically significant.
Related EHN coverage:
Harris could prioritize stricter climate policies if elected
Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, has yet to detail her climate policy, but her history as a prosecutor suggests she might take a tougher approach toward the fossil fuel industry than the current administration.
In short:
- Harris has been vague about her climate plans during her campaign, contrasting with her detailed environmental record as a prosecutor.
- Her past actions include prosecuting oil companies and advocating for environmental justice, hinting at a potentially stricter climate agenda.
- The oil and gas industry remains wary of Harris, noting her past support for fracking bans and aggressive enforcement policies.
Key quote:
"She's the hammer. That’s what environmental justice constituencies have wanted forever: enforce the law, equitably enforce the law."
— Vernice Miller-Travis, environmental activist
Why this matters:
Vice President Harris' stance on climate change may significantly impact U.S. policy, particularly regarding fossil fuels, which are central to the global climate crisis.
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.
Related EHN coverage:
Democrats shift focus as climate change takes a backseat in the 2024 election
Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, Democrats are downplaying the issue in the 2024 campaign, reflecting voter priorities and a lack of detailed plans.
In short:
- Kamala Harris briefly mentioned climate change at the Democratic National Convention, reflecting its diminished role in the 2024 campaign.
- Polls show a decline in voter concern over climate change, with other issues like the economy and immigration taking precedence.
- The Democratic Party remains divided on how aggressively to transition to renewable energy, complicating campaign messaging.
Key quote:
“Very few voters say this issue is determinative to their presidential vote this year.”
— Patrick Murray, Monmouth University Polling Institute
Why this matters:
Shifts in voter priorities could lead to less political momentum for climate action, potentially slowing progress on critical environmental policies.
Related: Climate groups emphasize economic benefits in Harris ad campaign
Climate group boosts Harris campaign but withholds endorsement over policy concerns
The Sunrise Movement is ramping up voter outreach for Kamala Harris while withholding endorsement until she clarifies her climate policies.
In short:
- The Sunrise Movement plans to contact 1.5 million young voters for Kamala Harris but has not endorsed her.
- The group awaits more details on Harris’s climate agenda and stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
- Other environmental groups have endorsed Harris, emphasizing the need to defeat Donald Trump.
Key quote:
“Let’s be clear: the most important climate policy right now is defeating Donald Trump in November.”
— Cassidy DiPaola, a spokeswoman for Fossil Free Media
Why this matters:
Young voters, crucial for Democrats, seek strong climate action. Harris's ability to address these concerns could impact her appeal to key voting blocs in the upcoming election.
Read more:
Kamala Harris wins over young environmental voters in key swing states
New polling data reveals that Kamala Harris is more popular among young voters in battleground states than both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
Aynsley O’Neill and Steve Curwood report for Living On Earth.
In short:
- The Environmental Voter Project’s poll shows Harris with a net favorability of +16 among young voters, outperforming Biden and Trump.
- The poll surveyed over 2,600 voters aged 18-34 across five key battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.
- 245,000 low-propensity environmental voters in Pennsylvania could be pivotal in the upcoming election.
Key quote:
“Kamala Harris literally has a higher favorability among young voters than Taylor Swift does.”
— Nathaniel Stinnett, founder and executive director of the Environmental Voter Project
Why this matters:
Young voters, especially those concerned about climate issues, could swing the outcome of the 2024 election in critical states if they turn out in high numbers. Their support for Harris indicates a strong alignment with her climate agenda.