Donald Trump just announced Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, which could have consequences for the future of U.S. climate policy. This upcoming election may be a major step back in addressing the effects of climate change.
Introducing VP Candidate J.D. Vance
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Presidential Candidate and Former President Donald Trump announced J.D. Vance, a U.S. Senator from Ohio, as his running mate. Vance is well-known for his extreme views on many issues, including climate change and energy policy.
J.D.’s Career
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A proud member of the Republican party, Vance’s political career first focused on economic issues. Many of his current views on energy and the environment are shaped by his economic views.
Historical Views on Climate Change
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Just a few years ago, Vance spoke at Ohio State University, saying “we have a climate problem in our society” and criticized Trump’s presidency. He even praised turns to cleaner energy sources.
A Changing Position
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Since seeking Trump’s support while running for Senate, Vance has changed his tune. He now believes the role of human activity in climate change is exaggerated and that Biden’s approach to climate policy has been harmful.
Criticism of Biden
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Vance even went so far as to say that Biden’s administration is “doing everything it can to subsidize alternative energy sources and demonize our nation’s most reliable sources of power.”
What Climate Experts Say
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Most scientists, on the contrary, have found a direct link between how humans behave and the increasing effects of climate change. Vance believes the impacts may not be as urgent as suggested.
Addressing Climate Change
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Vance’s climate policies involve small changes without any economic sacrifices. He believes “there are a lot of things we could do to address climate change that don’t involve wrecking the economy.”
Oil and Gas Advocacy
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These days, Vance heavily advocates for the oil and gas industries. He believes they are crucial in establishing energy independence, creating jobs, and strengthening national security.
Opposing Solar and EV
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In the same breath, he has been openly opposed to other clean energy sources, like solar and wind, as well as the rising tax credits for electric vehicles. He believes it “does nothing for the environment” and that the money should be directed to workers.
Challenging Aggressive Climate Approaches
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Vance’s views reflect a wider political discussion over how accountable we should hold each other for environmental impacts, and to what degree the environment should be prioritized over the economy.
Comparison with Other Politicians
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Vance has a more conservative position, even compared to other politicians in his party. Many of his peers support investing in renewable energy and stricter environmental regulations, but also share concerns about the extent of the efforts.
Congressional Committee Experience
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Vance currently serves on several committees with energy and environmental policy influence. In his current position, he has some power to shape the direction of future legislation.
Republican Climate Policy
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As a current strong Republican voice and a future even stronger one, his opinions could reinforce the party’s traditional skepticism toward climate change regulations. This could drag the party in a more conservative direction.
Current Views on Vance
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Both the public and his peers have shared opinions on his climate views. While some believe that his economic considerations are necessary, others believe he is out of touch with scientific evidence.
Potential for Legislative Change
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If Trump and Vance are elected into office, depending on the state of the legislative branch, there is an increasing likelihood that new climate-related policies will be halted or reduced.
Future Implications for Energy
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If Vance becomes the new VP, it’s possible that his open support for fossil fuels could reduce our focus on transitioning to renewable energy. Even if he doesn’t win, his extreme views may catch on in the mainstream conversation.
Ohio Companies Benefit
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Ohio is the sixth biggest producer of gas in the country, and ranks sixth in coal consumption. Solar and wind make up a very small amount, making this upcoming election one of interest for Ohian companies and residents.
Environmental Criticisms
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Environmental groups are concerned about Vance’s potential to sway legislation away from trying to mitigate the human causes of climate change. They believe his stance undermines the urgency of these environmental problems.
Vance’s Framing of Regulations
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Vance believes that climate policies should be a trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. He sees regulations as harmful to jobs and the economy, yet not helpful enough to justify.
Possible Outcomes
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The future of climate policy is likely to be heavily determined by the upcoming election. While the Biden administration continues to push for more comprehensive climate policies, a Trump-Vance win could mean a step back in the fight against climate change.
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