20 Questions to Ask Your Candidates About the Environment

On November 5, thousands of local, state, and federal elections will take place across the country. These elections will have massive implications for the environment, climate change, and clean energy. 

Have you researched all of the candidates that will be on your ballot? Here are 20 questions you can ask your candidates or research to see where they stand on clean energy and the environment:

1. 97% of climate scientists agree that climate change is real and caused by human activity. Do you agree with them?

2. Do you believe that tackling climate change is one of the most urgent and important issues of our lifetime?

3. Where will protecting the environment and addressing the climate crisis fall on your list of priorities once you take office? What will be the first steps you take to protect the environment?

4. What steps will you take to support the growth of the clean energy industry and create clean energy jobs?

5. Will you prioritize the expansion of clean, renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, over the expansion of polluting fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas?

6. What score has the League of Conservation Voters given you in their LCV Scorecard, based on your past voting record for legislation that affects the environment?

7. Did you vote for (or would you have voted for) President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which was the largest investment in clean energy and climate action in our nation’s history?

8. How will you work to advance environmental justice and protect the vulnerable communities currently bearing the brunt of climate change?

9. How will you work to improve the water, air, and health in communities that are located near polluting sites such as oil refineries or chemical plants?

10. How will you ensure all communities receive equitable access to clean air and water and equitable response to climate disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes?

11. What steps will you take to ensure we collectively reduce our carbon emissions? Do you have an emissions reduction target or timeline?

12. How will you hold corporations that pollute our air and water accountable?

13. Will you take any steps to promote or incentivize rooftop solar?

14. What will you do to support the growth of the electric vehicle industry?

15. What will you do to support and expand public transportation?

16. How will you incentivize energy efficiency in new buildings and technology?

17. What steps will you take to reduce the use of single-use plastics?

18. How will you protect precious American lands such as national parks and federal lands?

19. Do you support eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels? 

20. Does your campaign accept contributions from fossil fuel corporations or executives?

These questions can help you gauge where your candidates stand on environmental issues and what kind of impact they will have on the environment and clean energy if elected.

Here are some additional resources to help you do your due diligence ahead of the elections on November 5:

• Visit Vote.org to register to vote, check your registration status, request an absentee ballot, see what’s on your ballot, get election reminders, and more

• Visit Ballotpedia to find out which candidates and ballot measures are on your ballot this year, read information about each candidate such as their prior offices and endorsements, learn more about any ballot measures, and more

• Check out the LCV Scorecard to see how the League of Conservation Voters rates your candidates based on their voting record for environmental legislation

• Visit each candidate’s website to learn more about where they stand on environmental issues and find out how to contact them

Electing candidates that will work to protect our environment and advance clean energy is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. Looking for more ways you can make a positive impact on the environment? One of the easiest and most impactful ways you can help protect our planet is by choosing 100% clean, renewable energy from wind and solar for your home. Learn more about how you can sign up today and help create a better environment for future generations.

Related Reading: 

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

JD Vance's Stances On Climate Change, Clean Energy, and The Environment