As the presidential election approaches, many are wondering how does Vice President Kalama Harris’ climate and energy record compare to Donald Trumps.
A recent survey by Climate Power and Data for Progress reveals that Vice President Kamala Harris holds a significant advantage over former President Donald Trump on climate and energy issues, a key factor as the presidential election draws near. This data underscores the stark contrast between the candidates’ approaches, particularly among young voters, who are expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Voters Prioritize Clean Energy and Climate Action
The survey results indicate that nearly 70% of voters believe the next president should continue investing in clean energy manufacturing, a view that cuts across party lines. Half of Republican voters, two-thirds of Independents, and 71% of young voters aged 18-34 support this stance. This overwhelming consensus highlights the growing importance of clean energy in the political landscape.
When voters were explicitly asked about Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee, 62% expressed that she should continue these investments to enhance the climate initiatives started under the Biden-Harris administration. This level of support suggests that Harris’ commitment to clean energy is resonating strongly with the electorate.
Harris’ Climate Record Garners Strong Support
Kamala Harris’ track record on climate issues has earned her widespread support among voters. As Vice President, Harris has been a significant but often unsung force in advancing climate policy. Her behind-the-scenes advocacy has been crucial in shaping major environmental legislation.
In early 2024, Harris championed a $20 billion investment in green banks to cut pollution, an idea she supported since her Senate tenure in 2020. She also endorsed higher unionization rates for clean energy workers, leading to climate law provisions that provide bonuses for projects with prevailing wages.
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris advocated for electric vehicle incentives for low- and middle-income families. This push resulted in the climate law offering up to $7,500 off new electric vehicles and $4,000 off used ones.
Harris’s commitment to environmental justice dates back to her tenure as San Francisco’s district attorney, where she established California’s first environmental crimes unit. As California’s attorney general in 2011, she filed a lawsuit against polluting cargo terminals, leading to a settlement to protect affected communities.
This approach influenced the federal climate law, which includes $3 billion to reduce port pollution and over $40 billion for disadvantaged communities, marking the largest environmental justice investment in U.S. history.
Additionally, Harris’s influence extended to the bipartisan infrastructure package. This included $5 billion for electric school buses—a policy she introduced in 2019—and $15 billion for replacing lead pipes.
The Results Speak
The Data for Progress survey tested voter reactions to eight of Harris’ key climate actions, and a majority supported each one. Notably, 72% of voters back her efforts to strengthen the Clean Air and Water Acts, legislate to replace 100% of lead pipes, and introduce the first-ever limits on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water.
Furthermore, 69% of voters approve of Harris’ decision to take an oil company to court for potential criminal violations following an oil pipeline spill that polluted coastal waters. This strong backing reflects a public desire for accountability in environmental protection.
Additionally, 68% of voters favor Harris’ clean energy plan, which has created over 300,000 new jobs across the U.S. This support highlights the economic benefits of transitioning to clean energy, an issue that resonates with voters across the political spectrum.
Voters Prefer Harris’ Climate and Energy Policies Over Trump’s
When asked to compare the energy and climate policies of Harris and Trump, voters showed a clear preference for Harris’ approach. By a 12-point margin, voters favor Harris’ focus on expanding clean energy to lower costs for families and boost American manufacturing while protecting communities’ access to clean air and water. This margin is even larger among key demographics, including Independents (+17 points) and young voters (+22 points), indicating strong support for Harris’ vision for the future.
Harris’ edge over Trump is further emphasized when voters are presented with a comparison of each candidate’s approach to the oil and gas industry.
By a 22-point margin, voters prefer Harris’ record of holding oil and gas companies accountable for profiteering and gouging Americans at the pump, over Trump’s record of offering large tax breaks and financial incentives to the fossil fuel industry. This issue is particularly salient among Independents, who favor Harris’ approach by a 2-to-1 ratio (57% to 29%).
In another comparison, 56% of voters agree more with Harris’ approach to the oil and gas industry and pollution. This draws on her experience as a district attorney going after polluters.
Only 38% agree more with Trump’s stated intention to aggressively expand drilling while downplaying the threat of climate change. This contrast is especially pronounced among young voters, with nearly 7 in 10 voters aged 18-34 siding with Harris.
Voters Support Continuing Biden-Harris Climate Progress
The survey also reveals a clear preference among voters for continuing the clean energy and climate progress made by the Biden-Harris administration. When voters were asked to choose between the climate platforms of Harris and Trump, a majority expressed support for the following:
- expanding clean energy,
- strengthening pollution protections, and
- holding big oil and gas companies accountable.
This support remained strong even when the candidates’ names were explicitly attached to their respective platforms. This suggests that Harris’ climate and energy policies have broad appeal.
Overall, the survey underscores Harris’ significant advantage over Trump on climate and energy issues, particularly among Independents and young voters. With less than 100 days until the election, Harris’ commitment to clean energy and holding polluters accountable appears to be resonating strongly with the electorate.