VP Hopefuls: A Climate Policy Comparison

VP Hopefuls' Climate Policy Comparison, Behind the Numbers: The Importance of this Week's Data, Olympics Unveil Major Sustainability Plans

Author

KC Schreane
July 31, 2024

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Democratic VP Hopefuls: A Climate Policy Comparison

With the Republican ticket seemingly in place since the convention along with a presumptive Democratic nominee, attention is shifting to potential running mates for the Democratic ticket. Understanding the climate policies of potential vice-presidential candidates is crucial for voters who prioritize environmental issues. Here's a look at where some top contenders (as of late July) stand on climate and energy policies: 

Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky 

  • Gained recognition for his proactive response to extreme weather events, acknowledging climate change's role. 

  • Promotes a mixed energy strategy, incorporating both fossil fuels and renewables through the Kentucky E3 plan. 

  • Welcomed clean energy projects, significantly increasing the state's clean energy job growth. 

  • Declared Kentucky the leading state in electric vehicle battery production. 

Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator from Arizona 

  • Advocated for climate action in response to extreme heat-related deaths in Arizona. 

  • Co-sponsored legislation incentivizing carbon-storing agricultural practices. 

  • Worked to include substantial drought mitigation funding in major climate legislation. 

  • Participates in key committees focused on water resources and access to clean drinking water. 

JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

  • Signed legislation committing Illinois to 100% clean energy by 2050, leading the Midwest in climate action.

  • Passed laws to eliminate bureaucratic barriers for solar installation, prohibit counties from placing moratoriums on solar or wind projects, and standardize permit reviews for sustainable energy projects.

  • Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to support power initiatives.

  • Illinois ranked #1 for energy democracy and utility accountability, highlighting state policies on clean energy action, holding utility companies accountable, and protecting ratepayers, as recognized by the Institute for Local Self Reliance.

    Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania 

    • Secured a significant federal grant to address industrial pollution and boost job creation. 

    • Set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for 30% by 2030. 

    • Conducted a detailed investigation into fracking's dangers while serving as attorney general. 

    • Partnered with the natural gas industry on a program requiring chemical disclosure in fracking. 

Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota

  • Set a target for Minnesota to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050, driving the state toward a sustainable and carbon-free future.

  • Administration prioritized climate equity by implementing policies that address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.

  • Expanded investments in renewable energy projects, creating green jobs and promoting economic growth in underserved areas.

  • Announced a $200 million grant to cut climate pollution from Minnesota's food systems by supporting sustainable farming, waste reduction, peatland restoration, and the adoption of electric vehicles.

Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan

  • Mandated energy companies to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040, promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.

  • Overseeing new energy waste reduction standards and goals for further energy savings being implemented to enhance efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

  • Farmers can now rent land for solar energy generation while preserving farmland, supporting renewable energy expansion and agricultural sustainability.

  • Signed into law a bill that establishes an office to facilitate the transition from fossil fuel to clean energy jobs within the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.

These positions and platforms could havae a major influence on the future of U.S. climate action and sustainability initiatives.

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Behind the Numbers: The Importance of This Week’s Data

This week, a lot of crucial events could shake things up, including a Federal Reserve meeting, the July jobs report, and earnings from big tech players like Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. We're also getting updates on job openings, activity in the services and manufacturing sectors, and consumer confidence. 

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve will announce its latest monetary policy decision, and it's expected to keep rates steady. This is important as investors are closely watching for any hints about a possible rate cut in September, especially after recent economic data showed inflation slowing down and the labor market cooling off. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures index had its lowest annual increase in over three years, and unemployment hit its highest level since November 2021.

Why is this week's economic data is significant? It will give investors clues about the Fed's next moves and the overall state of the economy, shaping market expectations for the coming months. 

Olympics Unveil Major Sustainability Plans at Paris Summit

The Olympics is spearheading significant sustainability initiatives, as highlighted at the recent Sport for Sustainable Development Summit in Paris. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and IOC President Thomas Bach, the summit convened 500 participants, including heads of state, international organizations, and athletes committed to driving change.

The summit saw over 60 heads of state endorse the Paris Agreement for Sport and Sustainable Development, which outlines ten key commitments across five main priorities: education, health, equality, financing, and sustainability. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a plan to install 1,000 sustainable football pitches in schools, supporting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative, part of FIFA's Football for Schools program, aims to make football more accessible and strengthen young people's life skills.

In another major move, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum revealed plans to build 1,000 basketball courts in Africa over the next decade. This initiative, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), aims to create spaces for young people to learn and play basketball, contributing to socio-economic development.

Public development banks pledged $10 billion for sustainable sports infrastructure by 2030. Additionally, the AFD Group committed €500 million to sport for sustainable development. These investments aim to promote education, health, and inclusion through sport, highlighting the Olympics' pivotal role in achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

The summit underscored the transformative power of sport, aligning major sporting events with sustainability and legacy goals, ensuring a lasting positive impact on communities worldwide.

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