Kamala Harris’ Stances On Climate Change, Clean Energy, and The Environment

Kamala Harris's environmental policies have positioned her as a prominent advocate for addressing climate change, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of taking bold, decisive actions. As Vice President of the United States, Harris has consistently prioritized environmental justice, clean energy, and sustainable development, intertwining these initiatives with broader goals of job creation and economic growth. Her comprehensive approach to combating climate change reflects her deep commitment to securing a healthier and more sustainable future for all Americans.

Kamala Harris on Climate Change

Kamala Harris has been a vocal advocate for combating climate change, emphasizing the urgency of taking decisive action. "It is clear that the clock is not only ticking, it is banging. And we must act," she asserted, highlighting the pressing need for immediate and effective measures to address the climate crisis. Further, Harris, as Vice President, has focused on the interconnected benefits of climate investments, stating, "When the President and I invest in climate, we intend to invest in jobs, invest in families, and invest in America."

Throughout her career, Harris has prioritized environmental justice. As District Attorney, she established one of the nation's first environmental justice units to target polluters. She has been a strong supporter of the Green New Deal, recognizing the climate crisis's role in exacerbating long-standing economic and environmental inequalities. Harris has pledged her administration's commitment to addressing these inequities through robust environmental justice initiatives.

Under her leadership, the United States aims to reclaim its position as a global leader in the fight against climate change. Harris noted that the Biden administration has translated ambition into tangible action, making the largest climate investment in U.S. history. This historic investment reflects their dedication to turning the tide on climate change and promoting sustainable development for future generations.

Kamala Harris on the Environment 

Kamala Harris has emphasized her commitment to the environment, stating that her concern is not about a particular affinity for nature itself but rather a strong desire to ensure the health and well-being of future generations. She highlights that the issue fundamentally comes down to ensuring clean air and clean water. Harris stresses the urgency of the environmental threat and the necessity for immediate, serious action to change behaviors and adapt to sustainable practices. She believes that it is within our power to make these changes and mitigate the imminent threat to our environment.

Kamala Harris on Clean Energy 

As a U.S. senator, Kamala Harris was an early co-sponsor of the Green New Deal, a comprehensive plan aimed at transitioning the United States to 100% clean energy within a decade. This ambitious initiative, first introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Edward Markey in February 2019, laid the groundwork for substantial climate action and emphasized the importance of addressing climate change on a national scale.

In her role as Vice President, Harris has continued to champion clean energy initiatives. She has traveled across the country, engaging with students, entrepreneurs, small-business owners, community leaders, and labor leaders, all dedicated to reducing emissions and accelerating the clean energy transition. However, she noted a significant barrier: the lack of access to necessary funds for many of these innovative approaches.

Addressing this challenge, Harris proudly announced a historic $20 billion investment in financing for community-based climate projects. This investment aims to fund tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects nationwide, significantly accelerating efforts to lower emissions. For example, construction companies building affordable housing in Baltimore will now have the capital to install energy-efficient appliances, helping tenants save on electric bills. Small-business owners can access zero-interest loans to electrify their delivery vehicle fleets, reducing pollution and fuel costs. Additionally, houses of worship will have access to loan guarantees to install solar panels, generating affordable clean electricity for their communities.

Harris emphasized the ambitious goals set by the administration to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. The recent investment not only aims to achieve these environmental targets but also positively impacts the local economy, public health, and community innovation. By investing in clean energy and electric vehicles, the initiative ensures that more children can breathe clean air and drink clean water, reflecting Harris's commitment to a sustainable and healthier future for all Americans.

Kamala Harris’s Environmental Policies 

Kamala Harris's environmental policies reveal a deep commitment to addressing climate change and environmental justice. Her influence is evident from her early political days to her tenure as Vice President, shaping landmark federal climate legislation. Harris’s passion for sustainable solutions shines through her advocacy for electric school buses, heat pumps, and cleaner water. She has consistently prioritized the needs of poorer communities burdened by air pollution, pushing for substantial investments in these areas. Her early support for a national climate bank and clean energy worker unionization has led to significant funding and policy changes, reflecting her vision in the Biden administration’s climate agenda.

As Vice President, Kamala Harris played a pivotal role in the nation's landmark climate law, ensuring her priorities were included in the Build Back Better agenda. Notably, she announced a $20 billion investment in green bank grants to reduce pollution and championed electric vehicle incentives for low- and middle-income families. Harris’s efforts in environmental justice date back to her time as district attorney in San Francisco, where she established the state’s first environmental crimes unit. This focus continued as California's attorney general, where she took legal action against polluting cargo terminals, setting a precedent for federal climate laws. Through her relentless advocacy, Harris has secured billions in funding for disadvantaged communities, clean school buses, lead pipe replacement, and drought mitigation, ensuring her legacy in environmental policy and justice.

Overall: Kamala Harris is a champion for the environment and clean energy

Kamala Harris's dedication to environmental issues, from her early career to her current role as Vice President, highlights a profound commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental justice—and has earned her a 90% Lifetime Score from the League of Conservation Voters. Through landmark investments and robust policy initiatives, Kamala Harris has sought to reduce emissions, support clean energy projects, and address the needs of disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution. Her efforts underscore the interconnectedness of climate action, economic growth, and public health, illustrating a vision for a sustainable and equitable future.