US Election 2024: How Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Differ Starkly on Energy and Climate

Climate Contrast

The two parties and their presidential candidates have completely divergent views on climate change. Both Trump and Vance have repeatedly voiced doubts about whether climate change is a threat, whether it is caused by humans or whether it even exists. The Republican platform does not mention climate change at all.

Campaign officials and advisors to Trump have reportedly been clear that they would roll back much of the regulation and spending associated with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) if the former president is elected.

Meanwhile, Harris oversaw the passing of the IRA, even casting the tie-breaking vote for it in Congress as vice president. She has called climate change an “existential threat” and has a history of prosecuting oil companies for environmental violations while she was California attorney general.

‘Drill, Baby, Drill’

Trump’s rhetoric has been light on detailed policy plans. However, one point that he has repeatedly returned to is the idea that drilling for more fossil fuels will bring financial benefits for Americans.

He has told many crowds and interviewers that “we will drill, baby, drill” – employing a well-worn Republican slogan. By tapping into the “liquid gold under our feet”, he says he will be able to bring down inflation and cut people’s energy bills.

Under Biden, the US is already the largest producer of oil in the world. Perhaps seeking to make a clear distinction between himself and his predecessor, Trump says the US will become not just “energy independent”, but “energy dominant”.

Electric Cars

Another key divergence between Democrats and Republicans is over electric cars.

The Biden administration’s IRA contains tax credits and other measures to encourage the sale of electric cars in the US, as well as support the nation’s domestic car manufacturers.

It has also overseen the most stringent pollution standards for road vehicles. This measure increasingly limits collective vehicle emissions over time, meaning that more than half of the cars sold in the US by 2032 would need to be electric to meet the restrictions.

Conclusion:

The contrast between the Democratic and Republican candidates’ views on energy and climate is stark. While Kamala Harris has a history of supporting clean energy and combating climate change, Donald Trump has a history of dismissing climate policies and promoting fossil fuel extraction.

FAQs:

* What is the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)?
The IRA is a piece of legislation passed during the Biden administration that sets the nation on a course to slash its domestic emissions by offering billions of dollars in subsidies and tax credits for clean energy and electric vehicles.
* What are the main differences between Trump and Harris’ views on climate change?
Trump has repeatedly voiced doubts about whether climate change is a threat, whether it is caused by humans or whether it even exists. Harris, on the other hand, has called climate change an “existential threat” and has a history of prosecuting oil companies for environmental violations.
* What are the implications of Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” slogan?
Trump’s slogan suggests that drilling for more fossil fuels will bring financial benefits for Americans. However, this policy has been criticized for ignoring the impacts of climate change and contributing to environmental degradation.