As Kamala Harris secures her position as the Democratic nominee, her choice for VP could influence her climate agenda, with potential candidates ranging from a senator confronting extreme heat to a transportation secretary pushing for green infrastructure.
Austyn Gaffney reports for The New York Times.
In short:
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has pushed for renewable energy and economic revitalization but remains ambivalent about fracking.
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear acknowledges climate change but navigates a Republican-led legislature, balancing fossil fuel use with renewable energy growth.
- Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasizes evolving transportation policies to address climate impacts and promote electric vehicle infrastructure.
Key quote:
"Our climate is evolving. Our policies and our technology and our infrastructure have to evolve accordingly, too."
— Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Secretary
Why this matters:
The VP pick could shape national climate policy at a time when climate change impacts are intensifying, affecting everything from energy infrastructure to public health and environmental justice. Read more: In the race for clean energy, the US is both a leader and a laggard — here’s how.
