Young Climate Advocates Favor Harris Over Biden for Environmental Leadership

Despite President Joe Biden's landmark climate legislation, many young environmental activists believe Vice President Kamala Harris has a stronger stance on environmental issues.

Key Points:

Kamala Harris's Record: Harris has a history of holding big oil companies accountable and co-sponsoring the Green New Deal. Her record as a prosecutor and her early career work in environmental justice resonate with young activists.
Biden's Climate Achievements: The Biden administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in U.S. climate action history, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which funded clean energy and climate resilience projects.
Concerns Among Youth: Despite these achievements, young activists are frustrated by the expansion of the fossil fuel industry under Biden's presidency. Approvals of projects like the Willow oil-drilling project and the Mountain Valley Pipeline have been contentious.
Harris's Appeal: Harris's environmental actions as California Attorney General, including settlements with major oil companies, and her proactive climate platform during her 2020 presidential campaign, make her an appealing candidate for young voters.
Youth Expectations: Young climate leaders, like those from the Sunrise Movement and Fridays for Future, expect Harris to build on Biden's climate legislation and push for more aggressive action against polluters.
Support for Harris: Harris has received endorsements from numerous environmental groups and leaders, and her background dealing with California's climate challenges is seen as valuable experience.

Expert Opinions:

Dana Fisher, director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity at American University, notes that young people acknowledge Biden's work but demand more due to the severe climate crisis.
Stephen Perkins of the American Conservation Coalition highlights that younger elected officials like Harris are seen as having more personal investment in climate issues.

Harris's commitment to environmental justice and her proactive approach to climate policy resonate with young climate advocates, who view her as a potentially stronger environmental leader than Biden.

#ClimateChange #KamalaHarris #JoeBiden #EnvironmentalPolicy #YouthActivism