With just under 38 days until Americans decide on their Presidential candidate, many wonder what effects that choice will have on our environment- in the near and extended future. You may think you understand, in abstract terms, how different each administration will approach sustainability measures, but just what would that look like for a Democratic or Republican presidency? Join along with us as we explore what each candidate has said or done, and what their policy is moving forward for the planet, our environment, and for those of us who hold sustainability measures in the highest of regards. 

The environmental policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris differ significantly in terms of their approaches to climate change, energy production, and environmental regulations. Any examination of what those environment policies might include for the next four years should begin with how each candidate views climate change, the steps needed to take to ensure a healthy environment (which includes their energy policy), and how those views will play out in terms of laws and regulations.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

1. Do you believe? Examining Climate Change Stance

Donald Trump:

Skeptical of Climate Change: Trump has frequently downplayed the importance of addressing climate change. During his presidency, he referred to climate change as a "hoax" and dismissed the scientific consensus around its human causes. Additionally, he has said that human activity is only one cause of climate change and that he doesn't believe climate change is making extreme weather events worse. He has recently said that the risks of climate change are exaggerated, he’s made false claims about clean energy and other climate change solutions, as well as incorrectly claiming that nothing can be done about it. Just recently, he dismissed the threat of rising sea levels.

Withdrawal from Paris Agreement: In 2017, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, an international accord aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. He argued that the agreement was unfair to the U.S. economy and industries.

Kamala Harris:

Acknowledges Climate Change as a Crisis: Harris has been vocal about the need to urgently address climate change. She supports the scientific consensus and sees climate change as an existential threat. Harris’s election would continue Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits for clean energy, as well as regulations to reduce power-plant emissions and coal use. This approach puts the country on course to spend the authorized billions of dollars for renewable energy that should cut U.S. carbon emissions in half by 2030. The IRA also includes a commitment to broadening electric vehicle technology.

Rejoining the Paris Agreement: As part of the Biden administration, she supported rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, which the U.S. officially did in 2021, with a renewed commitment to reducing emissions and mitigating climate impacts.

2. What the Frack? What Has and What Will Be the Energy Policy

Donald Trump:

Focus on Fossil Fuels: Trump’s energy policy centered around expanding the production of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. His administration promoted “energy dominance” and rolled back regulations to allow for more drilling and fracking (or hydraulic fracturing). Fracking is a technique for recovering gas and oil by drilling into the earth and directing a high-pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals at a rock layer, to release the gas inside. That trend is expected to continue if re-elected. 

Keystone XL Pipeline: Trump supported the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a controversial project that aimed to transport crude oil from Canada to the U.S.

Reduced Emissions Standards: His administration weakened Obama-era emissions standards for power plants and vehicles to boost fossil fuel industries and reduce regulatory burdens on businesses. Donald Trump told fossil fuel executives they should raise $1 billion for his presidential campaign because he would roll back environmental regulations and unleash oil and gas drilling.

Kamala Harris:

Shift to Renewable Energy: Harris has championed a transition toward renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and geothermal. She supports reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy investments. However, her stance on fracking has changed from being a staunch opponent to now stating that she will not ban fracking, citing unrealistically high energy costs associated with eliminating the practice. 

Opposition to Keystone XL Pipeline: Harris, along with the Biden administration, opposed the Keystone XL pipeline. One of Biden’s first executive actions was to cancel the permit for its construction.

Green New Deal: Although Harris hasn’t fully endorsed the Green New Deal in its entirety, she supports many of its goals, including a transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2050 and substantial investments in clean energy technologies. Another sign that she isn’t fully in favor of the Green New Deal is that she boasted during the recent debate that the Biden-Harris administration has overseen “the largest increase in domestic oil production in history because of an approach that recognizes that we cannot over rely on foreign oil.″

Both candidates have spoken out in favor of nuclear energy and exploring the possibilities that it brings to the energy sector.

3. Environment, Environment, Environment!

Donald Trump:

Deregulation: Trump’s environmental policy focused on rolling back federal regulations that he viewed as burdensome for businesses. His administration reversed or weakened over 100 environmental rules, particularly in areas like water protection, air quality, and public lands. He did, however, sign the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act in 2020 which gave billions of dollars to fix national park infrastructure. It also provided annual funding to the decades-old Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

Endangered Species Act: Trump’s administration weakened protections under the Endangered Species Act, making it easier for economic development projects to proceed, even if they posed a threat to endangered wildlife.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Cuts: Trump sought to reduce the power and budget of the EPA, leading to diminished enforcement of environmental laws and oversight of polluters. He has vowed to make more drastic cuts to various oversight agencies, leaving them in the hands of the state and local authorities who often do not have the budgets to maintain basic programs.

Kamala Harris:

Strengthening Environmental Protections: Harris advocates for stronger environmental regulations to protect air, water, and public lands. She supports restoring and enhancing Obama-era regulations that were weakened under Trump.

Environmental Justice: Harris has emphasized environmental justice, focusing on communities disproportionately affected by pollution and climate change. She has proposed policies aimed at addressing the health and economic impacts of environmental degradation on marginalized communities.

Stricter Enforcement: Harris supports a more robust EPA and stricter enforcement of environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

4. It’s about the dollars and sense

Donald Trump:

Jobs through Fossil Fuels: Trump often linked the expansion of the fossil fuel industry to job creation. He promoted policies that encouraged coal mining, oil drilling, and fracking, arguing that they were essential for economic growth and energy independence.

Reduced Regulations for Economic Growth: Trump’s environmental deregulation policies were framed as a way to reduce costs for oil and gas businesses, which he argued would spur economic growth and job creation.

Kamala Harris:

Green Jobs: Harris focuses on the potential of creating millions of new jobs in the clean energy sector, such as in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency technologies.

Just Transition: Harris supports a “just transition” for workers in fossil fuel industries, proposing retraining programs and economic support for those displaced by the shift to renewable energy. She does, however, state that the transition away from fossil fuels will not be overnight. 

5. It’s a Small World Afterall- International Collaboration

Donald Trump:

America First Approach: Trump’s environmental policy was largely isolationist, emphasizing domestic energy production and rejecting multilateral climate initiatives. His withdrawal from the Paris Agreement symbolized a broader retreat from international environmental cooperation, citing that it was an unfair economic burden imposed on American workers, businesses, and taxpayers by U.S. pledges made under the Agreement.  

Kamala Harris:

Global Leadership on Climate: Harris supports the U.S. taking a leadership role in international climate negotiations. Alongside President Biden, she is committed to working with other nations to combat climate change through agreements like the Paris Accord and global climate summits, citing the urgency in cutting greenhouse gas emissions. 

Two Very Different Views on Climate Change and Their Overall Impact-Voting like our Earth Depended on it. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have starkly different approaches to climate change, and depending on what camp you find yourself in, climate change skepticism or climate change urgency, there is a candidate for you. Trump focuses on deregulating industries and promoting fossil fuel production, downplaying the urgency of addressing climate change. He supports rolling back environmental regulations, prioritizing economic growth through traditional energy sources. In contrast, Harris views climate change as a critical crisis and champions a shift towards renewable energy, stringent environmental protections, and policies aligned with reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Her approach emphasizes sustainability, environmental justice, and global leadership in combating climate change. Deciding on a presidential candidate is an important task, one that is every American citizen's duty to participate in. Voting is a fundamental pillar of democracy, giving individuals the power to shape their government and influence decisions that affect society. It is not only a civic duty but also a powerful tool for holding elected leaders accountable and advocating for policies that reflect the public's needs and values. Every vote contributes to the collective voice of a nation, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and protected in the democratic process. By voting, individuals can drive change and protect their rights and future.

Choosing a presidential candidate is like picking the person who gets the keys to your country's future—it's a big deal! But is it a big Green New Deal? That is for the voters of our beautiful country to decide. But wherever you fall on the climate scale, understand that voting isn't just a duty: it's your chance to make your voice heard, shape the government, and influence the decisions that impact your life. It’s how we hold leaders accountable and ensure that policies reflect what we, the people, really need. Every vote helps build the nation’s story, making sure all voices are part of the conversation. When you cast your vote, you're not just participating—you're helping steer the course of tomorrow.