Where the Candidates Stand: Climate Change

Donald Trump

Donald Trump has described climate change as  a ‘hoax.' His actions while in office have been counter to what science supports. One of his first executive actions was to begin the process of pulling the US out of the Paris climate deal, which will be completed in November 2020. His administration has also worked to weaken many Obama-era environmental rules, removing regulations on auto, methane emissions and water pollution. 

Joe Biden

The Biden plan includes working with Congress to enact legislation in the first year of his presidency that: 1) establishes an enforcement mechanism that includes milestone targets no later than the end of his first term in 2025, 2) makes a historic investment in clean energy and climate research and innovation, 3) incentivizes the rapid deployment of clean energy innovations across the economy, especially in communities most impacted by climate change.

Biden is committed to ensuring that every dollar spent toward rebuilding our roads, bridges, buildings, the electric grid, and our water infrastructure will be used to prevent, reduce, and withstand a changing climate. As President, Biden will use the convening power of government to boost climate resilience efforts by developing regional climate resilience plans, in partnership with local universities and national labs, for local access to the most relevant science, data, information, tools, and training. 

The Biden Administration will take action against fossil fuel companies and other polluters and will invest in workers and communities most affected by a transition from carbon to clean energy sources. Biden will also recommit the United States to the Paris Agreement on climate change and lead an effort to get every major country to ramp up the ambition of their domestic climate targets.