Kamala Harris and Donald Trump hold very different beliefs in regards to dealing with climate change and energy. This summer was notably hot, considering it contained four of the hottest days ever recorded.
As an incumbent Vice President, Harris thinks climate change is a big problem. She wants clean air and water for the people. She voted in a big law called the Inflation Reduction Act to fight climate change.
It would appear that the former President, Trump, is not giving a high priority to climate change; instead, he wants to utilise more oil, gas, and coal. He says that will make America rich.
Their Plans for Energy
Harris’s Ideas:
- She wants to use more clean energy, like solar and wind power
- She is for electric cars.
- Coal power plants should cause less pollution.
Trump’s Ideas:
- He intends to drill more oil and gas.
- He promises to eliminate Biden’s climate change plans.
- Energy and electricity should be very cheap.
What They Say About Fracking
Fracking is one method for extracting oil and gas from the earth. It’s essential to jobs in places like states such as Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania.
Harris used to insist she opposed fracking. Today, she says that, if elected president, she won’t ban the process. She’s trying to balance the demands of climate activists with what’s popular for jobs.
Electric Cars
Harris likes electric cars. She thinks they’re good for the environment. She has helped give money to buy electric school buses.
Trump doesn’t like electric cars as much. He says making them might cost some jobs. But recently, he said it’s alright if there are few electric cars.
Climate Laws and Jobs
Harris is busy putting into operation two big laws:
1. A law to improve roads, bridges, and other infrastructure
2. A law that gives money to people who buy electric cars or use clean energy
She said these laws will help save the planet and create jobs.
What People Think
More people trust Harris to handle climate change than Trump. About half of Americans trust Harris on the issue. Only about 3 in 10 people trust Trump on climate change.
The difference in what people think could be important in the next election. Climate change is an issue that is becoming more important for many voters.
