Climate Change in the 2024 Election: Harris and Trump on Green Policies

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, climate change and environmental policies are set to be key points of debate between the two leading candidates, Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Representing two divergent ideologies, their positions on how the U.S. should handle energy, climate action, and environmental regulations stand in stark contrast. This guide will break down their differences, offering insights into what each candidate envisions for America's role in the fight against climate change.

1. Climate Change Beliefs and Global Commitments

Kamala Harris, as part of the Biden administration, has been a staunch supporter of climate action, referring to climate change as an “existential threat.” Harris played a pivotal role in passing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the most ambitious climate legislation in U.S. history, aimed at drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions. She also believes the U.S. must remain committed to global efforts to tackle climate change, notably supporting the Paris Agreement, which she views as essential to safeguarding the planet for future generations.

Trump, in stark contrast, has long been a climate change skeptic, famously referring to climate policies as a "hoax" and "scam." During his first term, he withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement and, if reelected, he has pledged to do so again. Trump frequently downplays climate change as a significant threat, often framing it as an issue that primarily benefits other nations like China, and questions whether it is even caused by human activity. His focus is instead on energy independence through the expansion of fossil fuels​(U.S. Border Patrol Tota…)​.

2. Energy Policy: Fossil Fuels vs. Clean Energy

Kamala Harris and the Biden administration have focused on transitioning the U.S. toward clean energy, with the IRA offering billions in subsidies and tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy projects. Harris supports the expansion of electric vehicles and clean energy initiatives, advocating for stricter emissions standards and large-scale investments in infrastructure. The administration's climate policies have also led to the creation of 250,000 energy jobs, with more than half of those in clean energy sectors​.

Trump’s energy policy can be summed up in one slogan: "Drill, baby, drill." He advocates for ramping up oil, gas, and coal production, claiming that the U.S. has “liquid gold” under its feet and must tap into its fossil fuel reserves to achieve "energy dominance." Trump views fossil fuel production as the best route to lowering energy costs and boosting the economy. He plans to roll back key elements of the IRA, including clean energy provisions, and would offer tax breaks to fossil fuel companies to expand drilling on public lands​.

3. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Auto Industry

The Biden-Harris administration has made EVs a cornerstone of its climate strategy. Harris has celebrated federal grants aimed at electrifying school buses and reducing pollution. The IRA includes tax credits for EV purchases, aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles. As part of stricter pollution standards, the administration aims for over 50% of new cars sold by 2032 to be electric. However, Harris has stated that there is no mandate forcing all vehicles to go electric​.

Trump, on the other hand, has been highly critical of the EV push, often mischaracterizing Biden’s pollution standards as an "EV mandate" that he promises to roll back. He argues that EV production will hurt the U.S. auto industry and lead to job losses, particularly in swing states like Michigan. However, Trump’s relationship with EVs is complicated, as he has praised Tesla CEO Elon Musk, saying EVs are fine in moderation, but he remains adamant that America should not be dominated by electric vehicles​.

4. Environmental Regulations and Rollbacks

Under Harris, the U.S. government has been focused on strengthening environmental regulations, particularly on emissions from power plants and vehicles. As a former prosecutor, Harris has a record of taking on large oil companies for environmental violations. The Biden-Harris administration has enacted regulations to limit methane leaks, improve air and water quality, and incentivize clean energy solutions.

Trump, during his first term, rolled back nearly 100 environmental regulations, including those related to clean air, water, and greenhouse gas emissions. His campaign rhetoric continues to focus on eliminating what he views as "punishing regulations" that hinder economic growth and fossil fuel production. If elected, Trump has signaled he would continue to dismantle environmental protections and prioritize the expansion of fossil fuels, speeding up the approval process for natural gas pipelines and other energy projects​.

5. International Climate Leadership

Kamala Harris sees the U.S. as a critical player in global climate leadership. She has defended the Paris Climate Agreement, viewing it as essential for reducing carbon emissions worldwide and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. Harris's platform builds on the Biden administration’s commitment to cutting U.S. climate pollution by 50% by 2030, aligning with global targets.

In contrast, Trump’s approach to international climate agreements is one of skepticism. He believes the Paris Agreement is unenforceable and puts the U.S. at a disadvantage compared to major polluters like China and India. If reelected, Trump is expected to once again withdraw the U.S. from the agreement, arguing that America should focus on its energy independence rather than following global climate targets​.

The climate change and environmental policies of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump represent two fundamentally different visions for America’s future. Harris focuses on global leadership, clean energy, and strong environmental regulations, positioning the U.S. as a key player in combating climate change. In contrast, Trump emphasizes fossil fuel expansion, deregulation, and a return to energy independence through traditional energy sources.

As the election draws nearer, the stakes could not be higher for climate policy, both domestically and globally. Voters will need to consider which path aligns with their values and vision for America’s role in addressing the climate crisis.