Candidates release environmental platforms

By Rachel Scissors

All six campaigns have posted their environmental regulation policies to their websites. All of the candidates believe in the existence of climate change and have prioritized environmental protection as a part of their campaigns. There are many common themes, even across party lines: both Republican and Democratic candidates alike have proposed tax breaks for environmentally-conscious businesses, an increase in electric car usage, and a prioritization of renewable energy to reduce global warming.

Each candidate has also emphasized unique aspects of their environmental platform. Ali Hammoud presents the policy “cut or burn one tree, plant two” as a method of preservation. He also suggests the negotiation of a government-subsidized deal with oil companies to transition to renewable energy production, as well as the creation of a new government office to manage this process. Fellow Democrat Grace Cabral encourages individual action, and is the only candidate who mentions net metering, which allows homeowners with solar panels to earn money for the extra electricity that their solar panels provide. Bennett Solomon emphasizes climate change education, hoping that well-informed public will be more active in reducing carbon emissions. He strives to reach 100% clean energy use.

On the other hand, the Republican candidates avoid promises to stop the use of fossil fuels entirely. Logan Glazier proposes an increase in technical education for jobs in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing a reduction in our carbon footprint while at the same time promising not to waste the natural resources– coal, oil, and natural gas– that other candidates will restrict. Gideon Helf, another Republican, promises to re-enter the Paris Climate Agreement and presents a goal of increasing scientific research on animal conservative. Mizuki Brent also focuses on research, explaining how artificial intelligence can be used to lessen the effects of climate-change-related natural disasters. Brent suggests that AI be used to deliver food and water and allow communication to areas devastated by storms.

The candidates have taken relatively similar stances on climate change, but vary in how they approach a solution to this daunting issue. Check back later for information about the candidates’ other platforms, including foreign policy, tax reform, and healthcare.