Region: National

Senate 2022: Wisconsin    

Of all the states in play, the Wisconsin race may have the sharpest contrast between view on climate change.

Wisconsin has been a swing state in recent presidential elections. The Senate race there could help determine control of the Senate. The incumbent Republican is a climate change denier. The challenge highlights his support for climate action. Ron Johnson (R). Johnson, the incumbent,  has a 7% lifetime LCV score, meaning he voted against the environment …

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Election 2022: Governors

Four tight races will have big impacts on their states.

Although their powers vary in different states, governors are key figures in setting and implementing climate and energy policies.  There are several very tight races that could have significant policy impacts. They also have indirect impacts via the governor’s role in electoral matters. Elections in these four states are considered toss-ups. The Democrats are all …

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Are carbon taxes a thing of the past?

What is the role for carbon pricing in the future of decarbonization policy?

That’s the question implicitly raised by this article in the New York Times from late August.  The article surveys a range of criticisms of the use of carbon taxes as a tool to address greenhouse gas emissions, and criticisms of the focus of many economists on carbon taxes as the primary tool to address climate …

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Senate 2022: North Carolina

An anti-environmentalist is favored but the challenger has a fighting chance.

The Senate race in North Carolina may be a bit of a stretch for Democrats, but it’s not out of reach. The contrast between the candidates on environmental issues is particularly stark. Cheri Beasley (D).  Her website describes her as “a mom, former public defender, judge, and the first Black woman to serve as Chief …

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National Parks, Climate Change, and Active Management

When should park managers response to fire risk and climate change through active management?

This summer, the Earth Island Institute filed a lawsuit challenging active management projects in Yosemite National Park – those projects involve the cutting of trees to reduce the risk of fire (or that is the explanation of the National Park Service for the projects).  The tree cutting was begun this past year, and the National …

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Scenarios and Uncertainty

Imagining different futures can be the best way to think through options when we don’t know the odds.

In environmental law, we’re often operating at the limits of knowledge about the natural world and human behavior.  Climate change is well understood in some ways, but it will set off a chain of reactions that we only partly understand.  It’s also difficult to predict the future of ecosystems, future energy prices, technological changes, and …

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Election 2022: One Month to Go

A close election with big potential policy impacts   

We’re now two months from Election Day.  With control of the House and Senate at stake, the election will shape the remainder of Biden’s term, including climate policy. Biden’s ability to appointment officials and judges is at stake in the Senate. Republican control of the House would make new energy or environmental legislation extremely difficult …

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Senate 2022: Pennsylvania

Two unconventional candidates face off in a crucial swing state.

This is an open seat due to Pat Toomey’s retirement. It’s also an election that could go either way, though there are some signs that the Democrats may have an edge. And finally, it’s probably also the Democrats’ best pickup opportunity.  Neither candidate comes from central casting, which makes it an especially interesting race. John …

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Senate 2022: Georgia

The environmentalist incumbent faces a tight race.

Georgia is a toss-up state that both parties view as a must-win. I suppose it says something that both candidates for the Georgia Senate are Black, which may be a first for a Southern state, or perhaps anywhere. GOP insiders are reportedly concerned about their candidate’s ability to mount a successful challenge to the incumbent.  …

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Senate 2022: Nevada.

A tight race between two low-key candidates.

The Nevada Senate race may be more about Biden and Trump than the actual candidates. It’s another toss-up contest, though some observers see signs it may be shifting in favor of the Democrats. Catherine Cortez Masto (D). Cortez Masto’s campaign website calls her “an independent voice for Nevada who works with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents …

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