20 Questions to Ask Your Candidate About the Environment

Voting season is officially upon us! On November 8, thousands of local, state, and federal elections will occur across the country. Have you researched all of the candidates that are 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. Do you agree that tackling climate change is one of the most urgent and important issues of our lifetime?

2. 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?

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

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

5. 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?

6. 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?

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

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

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

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

11. Will you take any steps to advance Community Solar?

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

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

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

15. What steps will you take to support sustainable infrastructure projects?

16. Will you take any steps to ensure abandoned oil and natural gas wells are plugged?

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

18. Do you support ending leasing for fossil fuel extraction on federal lands?

19. Do you support eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels? 

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

Electing candidates that will work to protect our environment is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. To find out which candidates are on your ballot this year, visit Ballotpedia to view your sample ballot and information on each candidate, and visit each candidate’s website to learn more and find out how to contact them. You can also visit vote.org to register to vote, check your registration status, get election reminders, locate your polling place or dropboxes, and more.

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.