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Week in Review: May 10, 2019

May 10, 2019

Climate change continues to be a top priority in the Democratic presidential primary. Here is a recap of of how candidates are approaching it. Find more climate activity from the campaign trail on LCV’s new online advocacy hub: www.ChangetheClimate2020.com.

Climate at Events, In the Media, & On Social Media

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) campaigned in Iowa on climate change and clean energy, where he released proposals for rural America, including how “agriculture could be part of the solution by playing a major role in reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions,” and called out Trump’s false claim on wind turbines.

 

In Nevada, Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) committed to “host in the United States a new climate summit” and added “innovation can solve a lot of our problems.”

 

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released a new video focused on harnessing public lands to help tackle climate change, featuring a Coloradan who works in clean energy.


Marianne Williamson tweeted about the “moral crisis” of climate change and linked to her campaign website.


Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) appeared on Meet the Press, where he called for an “approach to climate that actually builds on the 70% of American people that say climate change is real.” In Iowa, Bennet discussed plans for his first 100 days, including to “create a set of reforms to combat climate change.”

 

Former Vice President Joe Biden (D-DE) told climate activists in Iowa that they are “preaching to the choir” as he discussed his support for clean energy, the 2009 Recovery Act, and climate legislation he introduced in the 1980’s. PolitiFact rated his history of climate leadership.   

 

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted an environmental justice town hall on Facebook, where he talked about the importance of addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate and other pollution on communities of color.

 

In South Carolina, Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN) discussed how executive actions on climate change can “make sure that on day one we’re doing everything from getting America back on the right track.”

 

In Iowa, Former Secretary Julián Castro (D-TX) said he would recommit the United States to the Paris Climate Accord “so that the United States will lead on sustainability and combating climate change again.”

 

Former Congressman John Delaney (D-MD) responded to the new UN report on millions of species facing extinction on Twitter.

 

In Michigan, Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) backed the Green New Deal and expressed the need for urgent leadership, saying, “The clock is ticking on this issue… and we need top level leadership to get it done.”

 

In New Hampshire, former Governor John Hickenlooper (D-CO) stated, “I have a greater sense of urgency than just about anyone I know about climate change,” and added, “We know what we have to do. What we need is the will and the persuasion to get everyone on board fast and in real time.”

 

In California, Governor Jay Inslee (D-WA) underscored “the need for bold action on climate change and outlining his ambitious climate proposal… 100 percent clean electricity, 100 percent clean private cars and 100 percent non-fossil-fuel-based commercial buildings.”

 

In New Hampshire, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) said he plans to release “core components of a Green New Deal that will not just address climate change, but will grow the American economy and make America a leader.”

 

In Iowa, former Congressman Beto O’Rourke (D-TX) visited communities affected by flooding and drew attention to his climate plan. O’Rourke also campaigned on climate in Minnesota.