Vice President Kamala Harris is facing attacks from Republicans for her climate policies aimed at disadvantaged communities, with some critics accusing her of racial favoritism.
Thomas Frank, Jean Chemnick and Avery Ellfeldt report for E&E News.
In short:
- Vice President Kamala Harris has promoted climate programs focusing on low-income and minority groups.
- Some Republicans, including Rep. Tim Burchett and Sen. Rick Scott, have criticized her efforts, alleging racial bias.
- Despite these claims, a significant portion of FEMA aid in Florida post-Hurricane Ian went to predominantly white areas.
Key quote:
"Kamala Harris should expect to be attacked for it. She was born a target for Republicans. Everything that she embodies is the antithesis of what the Rick Scotts of the world would like to see."
— Chauncia Willis, CEO of the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management
Why this matters:
Climate policies addressing environmental justice aim to rectify long-standing inequities affecting vulnerable communities. The controversy highlights the political challenges of implementing equity-focused initiatives in the U.S.
