Key Impact Points:
- Seven progressive climate groups that did not support Biden now endorse Kamala Harris for President, citing her strong track record on climate issues.
- Harris is backed for her commitment to environmental justice, reducing carbon emissions, and standing up to fossil fuel interests.
- The endorsement comes amid concerns about the Republican ticket’s potential impact on climate policy.
Seven influential environmental advocacy groups have announced their endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for President in the upcoming election, emphasizing her strong track record on climate issues and leadership in environmental justice. This coalition includes 350 Action, the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, Clean Water Action, Climate Hawks Vote, Food and Water Action, and Friends of the Earth Action. Despite not backing President Joe Biden, these groups now rally behind Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Background
Kamala Harris has been recognized for her significant contributions to environmental policy both as Vice President and as a U.S. Senator from California. Her record includes advancing initiatives that address environmental injustice, tackle the climate crisis, and hold polluters accountable. This endorsement comes at a critical time as the Republican presidential ticket, led by former President Donald Trump, poses potential threats to climate policies enacted by the Biden-Harris administration.
Endorsements and Rationale
Jeff Carter, President and CEO of Clean Water Action, praised Harris’s leadership: “Vice President Harris is a visible leader in the Biden-Harris administration’s successful work to address environmental injustice, tackle the climate crisis, hold polluters accountable, reduce water pollution, and ensure clean drinking water for all. Her actions have made a real difference in people’s lives.”
Jeff Ordower of 350 Action emphasized Harris’s experience: “In addition to being part of the administration that invested in renewable energy through the historic Inflation Reduction Act, Harris has a history of taking on Big Oil and advocating for environmental justice. As a global climate movement, we know Harris represents not just the ability to make progress in the U.S., but globally as well. For those who care about democracy, climate, and decreased corporate capture of our government, Kamala Harris is our only choice.”
Kierán Suckling, President of the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, urged: “Everyone who cares about our planet, environmental justice, women’s rights, civil rights, and our democracy to get out and vote for Kamala Harris to be our next president.”
Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director of Food and Water Action, noted the stark contrast between Harris and Trump:“Kamala Harris’ record provides a stark contrast with Donald Trump and the far-right, pro-polluter Project 2025. Of course, much more needs to be done, and Harris’ positions do not yet go far enough to tackle the existential threats to our food, water, and climate. But with a President Harris, we will have a chance to build the political power to move the bold climate initiatives we need. Four more years of Trump and Project 2025 will further accelerate an already escalating climate crisis and eviscerate important protections for our food and water.”
Concerns About the Republican Ticket
The Republican presidential ticket, featuring Donald Trump and his running mate, Big Oil-backed Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), has raised alarm among environmental advocates. Trump has pledged to “drill, baby, drill” and reverse climate policies enacted by the current administration if he returns to the White House. A March study warned that Trump’s plans for a second term could lead to 4 billion more tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 compared to current policies.
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Progressive Groups and Grassroots Movements
- The Green New Deal Network:
The network also endorsed Harris, emphasizing the interconnectedness of social programs and environmental initiatives.
Kaniela Ing, the network’s national director, stated: “What the Green New Deal really is, is understanding that everything’s connected. Making sure our tax dollars aren’t just going to kill children abroad, but to build schools and hospitals here at home… Local control of resources, self-determination of our communities. That’s the vision Kamala Harris, given her background—being bused to schools, really being a product of a lot of our social programs—really understands.”
- Climate Hawks Vote:
This endorsement marks Climate Hawks Vote’s first presidential endorsement, reflecting their long-standing relationship with Harris and her strong environmental record.
RL Miller, the group’s president, explained: “We’re breaking our usual rule of not endorsing in presidential elections, given our strong history with Kamala Harris (we endorsed her in her 2016 Senate race), her track record in taking on Big Oil and holding polluters accountable, and the extraordinary moment of this election. We are climate hawks who vote, and we’ll be flocking together for Kamala Harris.”
- Youth-led Movements:
The Sunrise Movement, along with other youth-led organizations, has voiced concerns about the Republican agenda’s potential environmental impact. They have urged Harris to present a comprehensive plan on the economy and climate, positioning her as a candidate who can inspire young voters and counter the far-right agenda.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s endorsement by these seven progressive environmental groups highlights her commitment to addressing climate change and environmental justice. As the election approaches, Harris’s candidacy presents a clear choice for voters concerned about the future of the planet and the need for bold climate action.
Call to Action
Environmental advocates and concerned citizens are encouraged to support Kamala Harris’s candidacy to ensure continued progress in addressing climate change and safeguarding environmental protections. With Harris’s leadership, there is an opportunity to build the political power needed to advance ambitious climate initiatives and secure a sustainable future for all.
Related Article: Sustainability Under Harris: What to Expect from Kamala’s Green Agenda
