Politics
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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CONTINUE READINGAre 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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CONTINUE READINGSenate 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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CONTINUE READING2021-2022 California Environmental Legislation: What’s Been Enacted?
Climate change and heat bills have been signed in two packages amidst other environmental legislation at the end of the 2021-2022 legislative session.
At the close of California’s legislative session on September 1, legislators sent a number of environmental bills to the Governor for his signature, including measures to mitigate climate change, cope with extreme heat, advance the state’s clean energy goals, deal with California’s ongoing drought, decarbonize buildings, build more transit-friendly affordable housing, and conserve our natural …
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CONTINUE READINGElection 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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CONTINUE READINGSenate 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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CONTINUE READINGSenate 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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CONTINUE READINGSenate 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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CONTINUE READINGSenate 2022: Arizona
In a tight race, the incumbent faces a pro-drilling, pro-fracking, pro-nuclear advocate.
Arizona was considered a toss-up state in the battle for control of the Senate. There are signs that the race may be shifting a little in the direction of the Democrats, but the extent of any shift remains unclear. The challenger touts his MAGA credentials, while the incumbent is quietly pro-environmental. Mark Kelly (D). Kelly, …
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CONTINUE READINGTwo Months from Election Day
Who will get control of the Senate? And why does that matter for the environment?
We’re now two months from election day. This is a challenging electoral cycle for the Democrats, given inflation, the continuing effects of COVID, the economic impact of the war in Ukraine, and other woes. With turnout possibly boosted by the overruling of Roe v. Wade and other developments, Democrats do have a good chance of …
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