Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, chosen by Kamala Harris as her vice-presidential running mate, has a mixed energy record, balancing aggressive low-carbon policies with controversial support for an oil pipeline.
Brian Dabbs, Carlos Anchondo, and Jeffrey Tomich report for E&E News.
In short:
- Governor Tim Walz has enacted one of the most aggressive carbon-free power laws in the U.S. but has faced criticism for supporting the Line 3 oil pipeline.
- Walz's energy policies aim to transition Minnesota's power sector to clean energy, yet his stance on fossil fuels has led to both praise and criticism.
- Environmentalists see his selection as a chance to further climate goals, while critics view it as a continuation of existing energy policies.
Key quote:
“His lack of action to stop the Line 3 pipeline shows a troubling deference to fossil fuel interests.”
— Collin Rees, political director of Oil Change U.S.
Why this matters:
Tim Walz's selection as Kamala Harris’s running mate highlights the ongoing tension between advancing clean energy and maintaining fossil fuel infrastructure. His energy record reflects the complex challenges of balancing environmental progress with economic and political realities.
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