As the United States gears up for the next presidential election, the possibility of Kamala Harris ascending to the highest office has significant implications for climate change and environmental policy. Harris, a former U.S. senator and vice president, has a track record of advocating for clean energy, environmental justice, and ambitious climate goals. Here’s what her presidency could mean for the planet.
1. The Green New Deal and Clean Energy Transition
As a U.S. senator, Harris was an early co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, a comprehensive proposal aimed at addressing both climate change and economic inequality. The plan calls for a rapid transition to 100% clean energy within a decade, creating millions of jobs in the process.
As president, Harris would likely champion policies that align with the Green New Deal’s vision, emphasizing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and job guarantees for displaced workers.
2. A $10 Trillion Climate Plan
During her 2019 presidential campaign, Harris unveiled an ambitious $10 trillion climate plan. The plan outlined steps to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, including a goal of 100% carbon-neutral electricity by 2030.
Harris also advocated for zero-emission vehicles, aiming for 50% of new vehicles sold to be emission-free by 2030 and 100% by 2035. It is expected that her commitment to clean transportation and infrastructure would be central to her climate agenda as president.
3. Environmental Justice and Accountability
Harris has consistently emphasized environmental justice, recognizing that marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change.
In 2020, she proposed the creation of an independent Office of Climate and Environmental Justice Accountability that would “represent the views of frontline communities, conduct research on issues and trends in frontline communities, measure the costs and benefits of federal actions on frontline communities, and monitor government compliance.”
Her tenure as California’s attorney general, in 2016, included investigations into Exxon Mobil and successful settlements related to environmental violations, including an $86 million settlement from Volkswagen.
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4. Fracking and Offshore Drilling
In 2020, at a CNN forum on climate change, Kamala Harris took a strong stance against fracking and offshore drilling. She said she opposed fracking and offshore drilling, pledging to ban new fossil fuel leases on public lands if elected president.
Her position aligns with broader efforts to transition away from fossil fuels and protect natural habitats.
5. Global Climate Leadership
A Harris presidency would signal renewed U.S. commitment to global climate action. Her policies align with global efforts to combat climate change, including the Paris Climate Agreement. Harris’s leadership should thus strengthen international cooperation on emissions reduction, adaptation, and climate finance.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s potential presidency holds promise for a greener America. Her policies, if implemented, could accelerate the transition to clean energy, promote environmental justice, and position the U.S. as a global climate leader. As voters head to the polls, the climate-conscious electorate will closely watch how Harris’s vision translates into action on the world stage.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: U.S. Senator Kamala Harris speaking with attendees at the 2019 National Forum on Wages and Working People hosted by the Center for the American Progress Action Fund and the SEIU at the Enclave in Las Vegas, Nevada (right). Cover Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore.
