2020 Candidates And Where They Stand On Climate Issues

The planet is on the ballot this year. Candidates in races across the country form local, to state to national are debating climate issues. Races across the country can help determine the trajectory of climate policy. So we’ve compiled information on candidates in key races this election and where they stand on climate issues!

Joe Biden:

The Biden plan uses the Green New Deal as a framework but differs as it’s an actionable policy plan versus the broad resolution of the Green New Deal. Biden and Sanders worked together to form a task force to bridge the party divide, with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and former Secretary of State John Kerry at it’s head, they’ve worked out a cumulative climate action plan. Over the course of 4 years Biden’s $2 Trillion plan would boost clean energy and infrastructure, with a focus on job creation as we turn away from carbon based energy. He’s adopted into his plan related issues such as environmental justice by vowing to stand up to fossil fuel companies that have put vulnerable communities at risk. Additionally, his plan shows a shift to funding more public transportation and the introduction of high speed rail with a goal of lessening the greenhouse gas emissions caused by gas-guzzling vehicles, as well as many more initiatives.

Varshini Prakash, the founder of Sunrise Movement, who had previously endorsed Bernie Sanders for President, said the Biden Plan would represent a “seismic shift in climate policy at the federal level.” BU Scientists said while dissecting the nit and grit of the plan that “Its degree of boldness is really laudable—it’s not a business-as-usual, modest, or incremental climate plan. It’s bold, ambitious, and visionary.”

Donald Trump:

The Trump Administration has opposed the Green New Deal since its inception and has not released a comprehensive plan on climate change. Mr. Trump stated in the first Presidential Debate, “I want crystal clean water and air. I want beautiful clean air. We have now the lowest carbon… If you look at our numbers right now, we are doing phenomenally.” (Though in truth, carbon emissions have remained the same if not higher during his term than the previous.)

Where Joe Biden and Donald Trump Fall on Other Key Climate Issues

See more of Joe Biden’s Stances.

See the Trump Administration’s official stances on energy and the environment.

Key Races That Can Impact Climate Policy

Though the Presidential Race is the main focus of the current political area, there are many other elections whose seats will be crucial to climate policy in the upcoming years for both their local communities, states, and the nation. Here are some key congressional races to watch and the candidates’ plans for climate action.

Senate Races

Senate: South Carolina

Jaime Harrison: Learn more.

Senate: Georgia

Jon Ossof: Learn more here.

Senate: Maine

Sara Gideon

Susan Collins

Senate: Alabama

Senate: Montana

Steve Bullock:

Senate: Alaska

Al Gross

Dan Sullivan: Learn more here.

House of Representatives

House of Representatives:

Texas- 24th Congressional District

Candace Valenzuela

House of Representatives:

New York – 22nd Congressional District

Anthony Brindisi

House of Representatives:

Michigan — 8th Congressional District

Elissa Slotkin: Learn more here.

Paul Junge: Learn more here.

House of Representatives:

South Carolina — 1st Congressional District

Joe Cunningham

Nancy Mace

House of Representatives:

Virginia — 7th Congressional District

Abigail Spanberger: Learn more here.

Nick Freitas

Learn more about priority races.

Your Vote For the Planet

While there are many things that seem uncertain right now, one thing is — you have the power to vote for change. Enact change. See change heal the world. Your vote can help support climate action and lead the U.S. into a brighter, greener future.

Ready to take action? Make sure you have what you need to vote early!
Looking for more on the presidential candidates and where they stand on climate issues? Check out the primary candidates views on key climate issues from March 2020.