2020 Presidential Candidates Voter’s Guide
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| Candidate Name | Political Office | Party | Position | Position Score | Endorses the Green New Deal | Details | 100% Renewable Energy by 2030 | Details | Fossil Fuels in the Ground | Details | Carbon Dioxide Removal | Details | Climate Plan Score | Leadership | Leadership Score | Carbon Fee | Carbon Fee Score | Climate Calculation | Sources | Status |
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| Biden, Joe | Former Vice President | D | On Vice President Joe Biden's website, it states, "From coastal towns to rural farms to urban centers, climate change poses an existential threat – not just to our environment, but to our health, our communities, our national security, and our economic well-being. It also damages our communities with storms that wreak havoc on our towns and cities and our homes and schools. It puts our national security at risk by leading to regional instability that will require U.S military-supported relief activities and could make areas more vulnerable to terrorist activities." | 100 | Yes | Vice President Biden's website, states, "Biden believes the Green New Deal is a crucial framework for meeting the climate challenges we face. It powerfully captures two basic truths, which are at the core of his plan: (1) the United States urgently needs to embrace greater ambition on an epic scale to meet the scope of this challenge, and (2) our environment and our economy are completely and totally connected. | No | Vice President Biden is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. On his campaign website, the former Vice President aims to, "Ensure the U.S. achieves a 100% clean energy economy and reaches net-zero emissions no later than 2050. | No | "A TV ad from a Republican super PAC uses video of Joe Biden inaccurately explaining his climate plan against him. Biden’s campaign has said he would not completely ban fossil fuels, specifically fracking, as the ad appears to show him saying," according to 'Factcheck.org.' Vice President Biden supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. On his website it states, "The Biden plan will be paid for by reversing the excesses of the Trump tax cuts for corporations, reducing incentives for tax havens, evasion, and outsourcing, ensuring corporations pay their fair share, closing other loopholes in our tax code that reward wealth not work, and ending subsidies for fossil fuels." At a debate, Biden said when talking about coal and fracking, "We would make sure it’s eliminated and no more subsidies for either one of those, either -- any fossil fuel.” The presidential candidate also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In his climate plan, he states his administration would protect, "America’s natural treasures by... establishing national parks and monuments that reflect America’s natural heritage, banning new oil and gas permitting on public lands and waters..." Vice President Biden signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Vice President Biden supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. His climate plan would leverage, "agriculture to remove carbon dioxide from the air and store it in the ground." He expands on this by stating that he will, "review regulatory roadblocks to new innovations and invest in climate-friendly farming such as conservation programs for cover crops and other practices aimed at restoring the soil and building soil carbon..." | 75 | In a September speech on the California wildfires, the former Vice President stated, "With every bout with nature's fury, caused by our own inaction on climate change, more Americans see and feel the devastation in big cities, small towns, on coastlines and farmlands. It is happening everywhere. It is happening now. It affects us all. Nearly 200 cities are experiencing the longest stretches of deadly heat waves in 50 years. It requires them to help their poor and elderly residents adapt to extreme heat to simply stay alive, especially in homes without air conditioning. Our family farmers in the Midwest are facing historic droughts. These follow record floods and hurricane-speed windstorms all this year. It's ravaged millions of acres of corn, soybeans and other crops. Their very livelihood which sustained their families and our economy for generations is now in jeopardy. How will they pay their bills this year? What will be left to pass on to their kids? And none of this happens in a vacuum." Vice President Biden demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Vice President Biden supports a U.S. fee on carbon but does not advocate for it. In his, "Plan for a Clean Energy Revolution and Environmental Justice," he states that to reach, "net-zero," carbon emissions by 2050, that he would implement an enforcement mechanism by 2025, "Based on the principles that polluters must bear the full cost of the carbon pollution they are emitting and that our economy must achieve ambitious reductions in emissions economy-wide instead of having just a few sectors carry the burden of change." Also according to a Washington Post survey, "Biden supports a price on carbon, a campaign spokesman told The Post." | 75 | 87.5 | https://joebiden.com/climate-plan/# http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.factcheck.org/2020/06/misleading-ad-targets-biden-on-fossil-fuels-fracking/ https://insideclimatenews.org/news/14092020/joe-biden-climate-change-speech-full-text https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-07/big-oil-targeted-by-2020-democrats-eager-to-demonize-industry https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/carbon-tax/ | Active |
| Harris, Kamala | U.S. Senator | D | On Senator Harris's 'Combat the Climate Crisis' page, she states, "We’re facing a climate crisis. From families devastated by hurricanes in the South and East Coast, to farmers facing flooding in the Midwest, to firefighters battling wildfires in California, one thing is clear: We need to take bold, direct action now." But when asked whether she would declare a climate change emergency if elected president, during the CNN, 'Climate Crisis Town Hall,' she stated that she would instead declare a drinking water emergency. Senator Kamala Harris understands the consequences and importance of acting on climate change but not as a top priority issue. | 75 | Yes | Senator Harris is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. | No | Senator Harris is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In her plan titled, 'A Climate Plan for the People,' she calls for 100% carbon-neutral electricity, which could still include fossil fuels, by 2030. | Yes | Senator Harris supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In her climate plan, she states, "She will end federal subsidies for fossil fuels and hold Big Oil accountable for its role in the climate crisis." The Senator also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands in her plan she states, "We must stop extracting fossil fuels and use our public lands to our collective benefit." Senator Harris signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Senator Harris supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. Her plan states, "In Kamala’s Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will support every farm in America to fully implement science-based agricultural conservation practices by 2040, establishing our agricultural sector as a global leader in climate-smart agriculture. Different regions, different crops, and different animals will require unique strategies to reduce emissions and pollution while increasing value, resilience, and carbon sequestration." | 75 | In August of 2020, Senator Harris introduced the Climate Equity Act (S. 4513), legislation to ensure that the United States government centers communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis in policy related to climate and the environment, stating in a press release, "The environment we live in cannot be disentangled from the rest of our lives, and it is more important than ever that we work toward a more just and equitable future. That is why, as we combat the climate crisis and build a clean economy; we must put justice and equity first." Senator Harris makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 100 | In her climate plan, it states that, "She will make polluters pay for emitting greenhouse gases into our atmosphere," and that, "A climate pollution fee can play an important role as one of several interrelated policies to reduce emissions and hold polluters accountable." Senator Harris publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://kamalaharris.org/issue/climate/ https://kamalaharris.org/climate/ https://qz.com/1702416/the-most-important-takeaways-from-democrats-climate-town-hall/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.harris.senate.gov/news/press-releases/harris-ocasio-cortez-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-empower-frontline-communities https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/4513 https://www.commondreams.org/news/2019/08/20/kamala-harris-even-considered-skipping-cnn-forum-say-youth-campaigners-why-we | Active |
| Trump, Donald | President | R | "In 2012, he famously said climate change was 'created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive' - something he later claimed was a joke,'" according to the 'BBC.' In a 2016 interview on Fox News, the President stated, "Well, I think the climate change is just a very, very expensive form of tax. A lot of people are making a lot of money. I know much about climate change. I'd be—received environmental awards. And I often joke that this is done for the benefit of China. Obviously, I joke. But this is done for the benefit of China, because China does not do anything to help climate change. They burn everything you could burn; they couldn't care less. They have very—you know, their standards are nothing. But they—in the meantime, they can undercut us on price. So it's very hard on our business." While attending a roundtable with California state officials regarding the West Coast wildfires, the President stated, "I don't think science knows," while discussing global warming. President Donald Trump disagrees with the scientific consensus that that climate change is real and human-made. | 0 | No | According to CNN, during an environmental speech, he discussed the Green New Deal, stating, "It'll kill millions of jobs. It'll crush the dreams of the poorest Americans and disproportionately harm minority communities. I will not stand for it. We will defend the environment, but we will also defend American sovereignty, American prosperity, and we will defend American jobs." | No | President Donald Trump is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. | No | According to the President's, 'President Donald J. Trump Is Unleashing American Energy Dominance,' agenda, he has signed legislation to open up the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge for energy exploration, made 28 lease sales to oil and gas companies, approved the Dakota Access Pipeline, and has streamlined liquid natural gas terminals. President Trump has not sign the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | No | President Trump does not have a plan for carbon dioxide removal. | 0 | According to Reuters, during a 2019 G7 Summit, when asked a question on climate change, the President responded by stating, "I’m not going to lose that wealth, I’m not going to lose it on dreams, on windmills, which frankly aren’t working too well." In a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House on June 1, 2017, and found on 'Whitehouse.gov,' Donald Trump said, "Thus, as of today, the United States will cease all implementation of the non-binding Paris [International Climate] Accord and the draconian financial and economic burdens the agreement imposes on our country. This includes ending the implementation of the nationally determined contribution and, very importantly, the Green Climate Fund which is costing the United States a vast fortune." From the 'National Geographic's,' running list of how Trump is changing environmental policy, here are just a few: He appointed Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator; issued executive orders calling for logging increases on public lands; rolled back Obama era coal rules; restored Keystone XL pipeline blocked by a federal judge; approved offshore oil wells in the Arctic; moved aggressively to end children's climate change lawsuit; his EPA repealed Obama era methane rules; cut NASA climate monitoring program; dropped climate change from the list of national security threats; rescinded the EPA's Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era regulation designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing power plants. President Trump makes public statements advocating against action on climate change. | 0 | In a tweet from May 13, 2016 the President responded to an article by The Hill, stating, "@thehill Your story about me & the carbon tax is absolutely incorrect—it is just the opposite. I will not support or endorse a carbon tax!" President Trump makes public statements advocating against putting a U.S. fee on carbon. | 0 | 0 | https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51213003 https://video.foxnews.com/v/4709867547001/?playlist_id=938973798001#sp=show-clips https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-western-wildfires-science-climate-change/ https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/08/politics/donald-trump-environmental-leadership/index.html http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-unleashing-american-energy-dominance/ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-g7-summit-trump-climatechange/trump-on-climate-says-he-wont-jeopardize-u-s-wealth-on-dreams-idUSKCN1VG1RU https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-president-trump-paris-climate-accord/ https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/03/how-trump-is-changing-science-environment/#close https://www.atr.org/trump-takes-stand-against-carbon-tax | Active |
| Sanders, Bernie | U.S. Senator | D | On Senator Sander's presidential campaign website, he states, "Climate change is a global emergency...People across the country and the world are already experiencing the deadly consequences of our climate crisis, as extreme weather events like heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, floods, and hurricanes upend entire communities, ecosystems, economies, and ways of life, as well as endanger millions of lives." Senator Bernie Sanders understands the importance of climate change action as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | Senator Sanders is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. | Yes | Senator Sanders is committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his climate plan entitled the, 'Green New Deal,' calls for, "Reaching 100 percent renewable energy for electricity and transportation by no later than 2030 and complete decarbonization by 2050 at latest." | Yes | Senator Sanders supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In his, 'Green New Deal,' he states he would make, "the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution, through litigation, fees, and taxes, and eliminating federal fossil fuel subsidies." He also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands.” In his plan, he states, "We will immediately end all new and existing fossil fuel extraction on federal public lands." Senator Sanders signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Senator Sanders supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. His plan, 'Green New Deal,' calls for natural carbon sequestration technology such as improving soil health. He states that agriculture has the potential to, "sequester 37 gigatons of carbon annually worldwide." | 100 | In a tweet, dated August 23rd, 2019, the Senator stated, "Let me be blunt: If we stick to a "middle ground" approach or half measures when it comes to the climate crisis, our children and grandchildren will not have a livable planet." In a 2018 Climate Change Town Hall, which he hosted, the Senator stated, "We are dealing with what the scientific community tells us is the great crisis facing our planet and facing humanity and that is climate change." Senator Sanders demonstrates leadership, by advocating for action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | The Senator calls for, "Making the fossil fuel industry pay for their pollution," through fees and taxes in his, 'Green New Deal,' but we could not find evidence of public advocacy for a fee on carbon since 2014. According to Josh Orton, Sanders’ 2020 national policy director, through Emily Atkin, "The Green New Deal does not use a central system of carbon taxation in his climate plan, because the scientists say we must move quicker. But taxing carbon could be a valuable tool in specific circumstances in the future." Senator Sanders supports a U.S. fee on carbon but does not advocate for one. | 75 | 93.75 | https://berniesanders.com/issues/the-green-new-deal/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://twitter.com/BernieSanders/status/1164988223044640769 https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=291&v=-wCcQE0eLbM https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-sanders-markey-booker-introduce-landmark-legislation-to-transition-united-states-to-100-clean-and-renewable-energy https://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/must-read/why-we-need-a-carbon-tax https://heated.world/p/public-schools-lack-climate-education | Dropped Out |
| Warren, Elizabeth | U.S. Senator | D | In Senator Warren's, "Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy," plan it states, "Climate change is an existential threat. It’s real, it’s man-made, and we’re running out of time to address it. Our government needs to take bold action and use all the tools available to combat climate change before it’s too late." Senator Elizabeth Warren understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | In a Greenpeace survey, Senator Warren states, “I am an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal resolution, which commits the United States to meet 100 percent of our power demand through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources in ten years.” | Yes | Senator Warren has committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In her, '100% Clean Energy for America,' plan, she states, "Today, I’m embracing that goal by committing to adopt and build on Governor Inslee’s ten-year action plan to achieve 100% clean energy for America by decarbonizing our electricity, our vehicles, and our buildings." | Yes | Senator Warren supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. The Senator told the Washington Post that she opposes fossil fuel subsidies. Senator Warren also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In her plan for public lands, she states that she would implement a, "total moratorium on all new fossil fuel leases, including for drilling offshore and on public lands." Senator Warren signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Senator Warren supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods In her, 'A New Farm Economy,' plan, she states that, "I will dedicate resources from the $400 billion R&D commitment in my Green Manufacturing Plan towards innovations for decarbonizing the agriculture sector, including a farmer-led Innovation Fund that farmers can apply to use towards pioneering new methods of sustainable farming, like agroforestry." | 100 | On September 3, 2019, Senator Warren adopted former Washington Governor and Presidential candidate Jay Inslee's climate plan. Inslee was in the Presidential race to advocate priority action on climate change. He dropped out of the race, but Warren adopted his legacy and encouraged other Presidential candidates to join her. In a article in The Hill she said, "Today, I’m embracing that goal by committing to adopt and build on Governor Inslee’s ten-year action plan to achieve 100% clean energy for America by decarbonizing our electricity, our vehicles, and our buildings," Warren said in a Medium post, Tuesday night. "And I’m challenging every other candidate for President to do the same." Senator Warren demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | According to a 2018 E&E News article, when asked about a carbon tax, the Senator stated, "It's clear to me we need to make polluters pay for the damage they do." In CNN 's, 'Climate Crisis Town Hall,' when asked about a carbon tax she replied, "Those that are throwing carbon into the air are those who need to pay. She had to be prodded again about whether she supports a carbon tax." Senator Warren supports a U.S. fee on carbon but does not advocate for it. | 75 | 93.75 | https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/459822-warren-adopts-inslees-climate-plan-as-part-of-2020-platform https://medium.com/@teamwarren/a-new-farm-economy-8db50fac0551 https://medium.com/@teamwarren/100-clean-energy-for-america-de75ee39887d https://medium.com/@teamwarren/accelerating-the-transition-to-clean-energy-46af492d8c57 https://medium.com/@teamwarren/my-plan-for-public-lands-e4be1d88a01c http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://medium.com/@teamwarren/our-military-can-help-lead-the-fight-in-combating-climate-change-2955003555a3 https://medium.com/@teamwarren/trade-on-our-terms-ad861879feca https://medium.com/@teamwarren/my-green-manufacturing-plan-for-america-fc0ad53ab614 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-P3-AGBDxvRRfNclQejcRmvSk2E6z82xQZAwIQX-rPc/edit https://www.eenews.net/stories/1060108745/print | Dropped Out |
| Yang, Andrew | N/A | D | On Andrew Yang's, "Combat Climate Change," page, it states, "Climate change is an existential threat to humanity and our way of life. It should be a top priority of the federal government to implement policies to control anthropogenic climate change while working with other governments to implement these policies throughout the world." Andrew Yang understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | When asked by the Washington Post if he supported the Green New Deal, Andrew Yang stated, "I love the vision. I applaud the vision and the ambition. We need to head in that direction.” | No | Andrew Yang is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Although, In his climate plan, Andrew Yang calls for 100% of electricity to be zero-emission by 2035, which could include fossil fuels. | Yes | Andrew Yang supports ending fossil fuel subsidies." In his climate plan, he states he would, "End all fossil fuel subsidies and use that money for retraining programs and subsidies for low-income individuals to transition to sustainable energy sources." Andrew Yang also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. He plans to, "Stop all new leases for oil and gas companies on public lands, and end any currently existing lease." Andrew Yang signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Andrew Yang supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. In his climate plan, he states, "We should also invest in research into direct air capture (DAC), scrubbing CO2 from the ambient air. This process is less efficient, so we need to ensure that we can scale it up – there’s a lot of interesting research being done into this area with materials that can passively absorb CO2, as well as more active methods that are becoming more efficient." | 75 | In an August 28th tweet, Andrew Yang stated, "I would love a climate change debate. We need to move America and the world forward as quickly as possible. Andrew Yang makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 75 | As part of his climate policy, Andrew Yang proposes a carbon fee and dividend system that, "Sets an initial carbon tax of $40/ton, which would increase in regular intervals." As part of his plan, 50% of revenue would go toward Universal Basic Income and 50% would go toward, "Projects that are enhancing efficiency of fossil fuels or increasing availability of renewable resources." Andrew Yang publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://www.yang2020.com/policies/climate-change/ https://www.yang2020.com/blog/climate-change/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/green-new-deal/ https://twitter.com/AndrewYang/status/1166752506715758593 https://www.yang2020.com/policies/carbon-fee-dividend/ | Dropped Out |
| Booker, Cory | U.S. Senator | D | On the Senator's, "Climate Change and Environmental Justice," page, he states, "Climate change is not some distant threat — we’re witnessing many of its effects today. And the immediate burden of much of the pollution causing climate change is disproportionately borne by low-income communities and communities of color." Senator Cory Booker understands the importance of climate change action as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | Endorses the Green New Deal: Senator Booker is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. | No | Senator Booker is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his climate plan, he calls to directly invest over $3 trillion dollars by 2030 to fund the transition to a 100% carbon-neutral economy–which could include fossil fuels– by no later than 2045. | Yes | Senator Booker supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In his, 'Climate Change and Environmental Justice,' plan, he states that he would, "End all federal subsidies for fossil fuel production." Senator Booker also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. His plan states that he would, "Put a moratorium on drilling on our public lands." Senator Booker signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Senator Booker supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. On August 8th Senator Booker introduced the Climate Stewardship Act of 2019, which is focused on investing in farm conservation programs, which would sequester carbon from the atmosphere, as well as wetland reconstruction and reforestation projects. | 75 | During the July 31st Democratic Debate, hosted by CNN, the Senator stated, "Climate change is not a separate issue. It must be the issue and the lens with which we view every issue." While campaigning in Iowa, the presidential candidate was asked a question regarding the practicality of the Green New Deal, in which he answered, "When the planet has been in peril in the past, who came forward to save Earth from the scourge of Nazism and totalitarian regimes? We came forward! Who came forward to save the planet, or continents, from financial ruin? We came forward with the Marshall Plan. Our history is standing up and saying, look, humanity is in crisis, America is going to be the light and the hope." Senator Booker demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | In an interview with the New York Times, when asked if he supported a carbon fee, he stated, "A federal price on carbon should be one part of a comprehensive response by the federal government to the threat of climate change. The proceeds should be paid out as a dividend in a progressive way that ensures that our climate policies are also reducing inequality and not burdening everyday families.” Senator Booker publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 93.75 | https://corybooker.com/issues/climate-change-environmental-justice/ https://corybooker.com/issues/climate-change-environmental-justice/corys-plan-to-address-the-threat-of-climate-change/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=973 https://twitter.com/CoryBooker/status/1164554913109688320 https://www.markey.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Green%20New%20Deal%20Resolution%20SIGNED.pdf https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/hres109/BILLS-116hres109ih.pdf https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/02/08/cory_booker_green_new_deal_is_like_defeating_the_nazis_or_going_to_the_moon.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/us/politics/climate-change-2020-democratic-candidates.html | Dropped Out |
| Buttigieg, Pete | Mayor of South Bend, Indiana | D | On the Mayor's, "A New Rising Tide," page, he states, "We face a climate emergency that threatens communities across America. How we manage the changes coming our way will define not just the next four years, but the next century." Mayor Pete Buttigieg understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | Mayor Buttigieg told the Washington Post that he supports the Green New Deal. | No | Mayor Buttigieg is not committed to100% renewable energy by 2030. In his, 'Mobilizing America: Rising to the Climate Challenge,' plan he states he would, "build a clean electricity system with zero emissions and require zero emissions for all new passenger vehicles," by 2035. | Yes | Mayor Buttigieg supports ending fossil fuel subsidies and ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In his, 'Rising to the Climate Challenge,' plan, he states that, "In addition to bolstering clean technologies, we will end subsidies for fossil fuel companies and close public lands to new fossil leases." Mayor Buttigieg signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Mayor Buttigieg supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. In his, 'A Commitment to America’s Heartland: Unleashing the Potential of Rural America,' plan, he states that he would, "Support agriculture and significantly invest in R&D as a powerful solution to climate change, including through soil carbon sequestration." | 75 | In a March 21st tweet, the Mayor stated, "Climate change isn’t just happening in the Arctic. It’s happening in the Midwest. It’s killing people. So let’s call it what it is: a major security issue." Mayor Buttigieg makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 75 | During an interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, the presidential candidate listed a carbon fee and dividend as a solution to climate change. At an Iowa rally, the Mayor stated, "We're going to have to have a carbon tax." On his climate change plan a, "Key Policy," of his is to, "Implement a Green New Deal with all available tools, including a carbon tax-and-dividend for Americans, and support major direct investment to build a 100% clean energy society. Mayor Buttigieg publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://peteforamerica.com/issues/ https://peteforamerica.com/climate https://pfa-webapp-prod.onrender.com/documents/32/Climate-Plan-White-Paper.pdf https://peteforamerica.com/empowering-workers https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/green-new-deal/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://twitter.com/petebuttigieg/status/1108761278900776961?lang=en https://peteforamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/PFA_Unleashing-the-Potential-of-Rural-America-1-3.pdf https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=427411608053806 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/us/politics/climate-change-2020-democratic-candidates.html | Dropped Out |
| O'Rourke, Beto | U.S. Congressman | D | On his 'Climate Change,' site he states, "Climate change is the greatest threat we face — one which will test our country, our democracy, and every single one of us. The stakes are clear: We are living in a transformed reality, where our longstanding inaction has not only impacted our climate but led to a growing emergency that has already started to sap our economic prosperity and public health — worsening inequality and threatening our safety and security." Congressman Beto O'Rourke understands the importance of climate change action as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | When asked at an Iowa campaign if he supported the Green New Deal, he responded stating, "Some will criticize the Green New Deal for being too bold or being unmanageable. I tell you what, I haven't seen anything better that addresses this singular crisis we face, a crisis that could at its worst lead to extinction. The Green New Deal does that. It ties it to the economy and acknowledges that all of the things are interconnected." | No | Congressman O'Rourke is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his climate plan, he calls for, "net-zero" emissions by 2050. | Yes | Congressman O'Rourke supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. A campaign spokesperson told the Washington Post that his plan, “would finally end the tens of billions of dollars of subsidies that are currently given to fossil fuel companies.” He supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. As part of his, "net-zero emissions by 2030 carbon budget," he states he, "would stop new fossil fuel leases." Congressman O'Rourke signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Congressman O'Rourke supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. In his climate plan, Congressman O'Rourke, states that he wants to include, "Farming and ranching grants to create a new revenue stream for the climate benefits secured through practices like better soil management." He also includes, "forestation," in his plan. | 75 | In an interview with NPR, when asked about climate change, he stated that, "Here's our generation's opportunity to meet a true existential threat of this moment. And I'm confident that that's going to bring out the absolute best in us. Nothing to be afraid of, something to meet head on, and to overcome and to do it together." In a U.S. Senate debate against Ted Cruz, when asked his views on climate change, the Congressman stated, "300 years after the enlightenment we should be able to listen to the scientists... They tell us that we still have time but the window is closing." Congressman O'Rourke makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change but not as a top priority issue. | 75 | On CNN's, 'Climate Crisis Town Hall,' when he was asked if he supports a carbon tax he said, "No." Congressman O'Rourke does not support a U.S. fee on carbon. | 25 | 68.75 | https://betoorourke.com/climate-change/ https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/03/14/beto_orourke_on_green_new_deal_literally_the_future_of_the_world_depends_on_us.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-subsidies/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.npr.org/2019/06/14/731458998/beto-orourke-calls-for-a-moonshot-to-combat-climate-change https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/article220144680.html https://grist.org/article/live-who-said-what-during-cnns-climate-crisis-town-hall/ | Dropped Out |
| Castro, Julian | Former U.S. Secretary of H.U.D. | D | In a tweet on April 22, 2019, Secretary Castro wrote, "Climate change is a global crisis that knows no borders. My first executive action as President would be to recommit the U.S. to the Paris Climate Accord, and to reestablish America as a leader in the fight against climate change." Secretary Julian Castro understands the importance of climate change action as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | In a tweet from January 12, 2019, the Secretary states, "We're gonna say no to subsidizing big oil and say yes to passing a Green New Deal." | No | Secretary Castro is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his, 'People and Planet First,' plan he calls for, "all electrical power to be carbon-neutral by 2030 and be entirely clean, renewable, and zero-emission by 2035." Carbon-neutral may still include fossil fuels. | Yes | Secretary Castro supports ending fossil fuel subsidies and ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. As part of his, 'People and Planet First,' plan, he states, "We will immediately stop the exploration and extraction of fossil fuels on public lands and end all taxpayer subsidies of fossil fuel production." Secretary Castro signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | The former Secretary supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. As part of Secretary Castro's, 'Protecting Animal Welfare plan, he wants to implement, "proactive conservation policies to protect lands, including reclaiming degraded lands, reforestation, and afforestation, and integrating natural places into urban communities." He also supports sustainable farming practices. | 75 | In an August 21st tweet the Secretary stated, "Donald Trump called climate change a “hoax” invented by China. That is a lie. Climate change is getting worse by the day and this president does not care. My first day in office, I will rejoin the Paris Climate Accord and work to combat the climate crisis our nation faces." Secretary Castro supports action on climate change but is not a strong advocate for it. | 50 | In his climate plan, he states that he would, "support a new “carbon pollution fee” on up-stream, large-scale polluters for greenhouse gas emissions and investing that revenue in renewable energy, environmental justice, and climate resilience." Secretary Castro supports a U.S. fee on carbon but does not advocate for it. | 75 | 75 | https://issues.juliancastro.com/paw-plan/ https://issues.juliancastro.com/climate-1/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://twitter.com/juliancastro/status/1084149955831521280 https://twitter.com/juliancastro/status/1120370202015862786?lang=en https://twitter.com/JulianCastro/status/1164319260082102275 | Dropped Out |
| Klobuchar, Amy | U.S. Senator | D | On Senator Klobuchar's, 'Combatting Climate Change,' site, she states, "The evidence is clear: the climate crisis isn’t happening in 100 years — it’s happening now. 2018 was the fourth-hottest year on record globally and it was another near-record year for U.S. weather and climate disasters. The dire warnings in the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the National Climate Assessment make clear that immediate action is needed. The National Climate Assessment lays out how increasing global temperatures are harming our country’s food systems and public health by increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, while displacement and destruction caused by climate-related natural disasters threaten our economy and national security." Senator Amy Klobuchar understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | Senator Klobuchar is a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. | No | The Senator is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Her climate plan calls for, "achieving 100% net-zero emissions no later than 2050." | Yes | Senator Klobuchar favors ending fossil fuel subsidies according to the Washington Post. Klobuchar supports ending new leases for fossil fuel extraction on federal lands, a campaign spokesperson told The Post. Senator Klobuchar signed the No Fossil Fuels Money Pledge. | Yes | Senator Klobuchar supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. In her climate plan it states that Senator Klobuchar would, "Strengthening federal climate research and innovation, including carbon capture and negative emissions technologies, by fully supporting research at the Department of Energy and ARPA-E and encouraging partnerships with the non-profit and private sectors." | 75 | According to Axios when announcing her 2020 run, the presidential candidate stated, "The people are on our side when it comes to climate change. Why? Because like you and I, they believe in science. That's why in the first 100 days of my administration, I will reinstate the clean power rules and the gas mileage standards and put forth sweeping legislation to invest in green jobs and infrastructure. And on day one, we will rejoin the international climate agreement." Senator Klobuchar makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 75 | According to the New York Times, "Ms. Klobuchar’s campaign said she was open to a carbon tax but would not support one that increased prices for lower- and middle-income Americans." In an interview with the Tampa Bay Times, she also stated, "If we were to use a carbon tax… it would have to be done in some way that is not regressive because the middle class and lower income people have already been having a harder and harder time affording things, and you don’t want to make it worse.” Her climate plan also calls for, "Adopting a carbon pricing program that does not have a regressive impact on Americans." Senator Klobuchar publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://amyklobuchar.com/combating-climate-change/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://twitter.com/amyklobuchar/status/1140589006981357569 https://www.axios.com/2020-presidential-election-klobuchar-climate-change-78d33f34-3fdd-42ad-b26c-7369b5f11a91.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-leasing-public-lands/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/18/us/politics/climate-change-2020-democratic-candidates.html https://www.tampabay.com/florida-politics/buzz/2019/03/11/interview-amy-klobuchar-on-carbon-tax-cuba-bidens-busing-quote-and-her-chat-with-gillum/ | Dropped Out |
| Walsh, Joe | Former Congressman | R | In an interview with PBS, when asked about climate change and whether it was an urgent issue, Congressman Walsh stated, "On the urgent action, I don't know. Certainly, on action, I — the first big step...is my party, the Republican Party, has to acknowledge it's an issue, it's a problem. This president won't.” Congressman Walsh agrees with scientists that climate change is real and human-made, but does not understand the importance of acting on climate change as a top priority issue. | 50 | No | Congressman Walsh has not taken a position on the Green New Deal | No | Congressman Walsh is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. | No | As a Congressman from Illinois, Mr. Walsh voted to open the outer continental shelf to drilling. Congressman Walsh has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | No | The presidential candidate does not have a plan for carbon dioxide removal. | 0 | Mr. Walsh supports limited or no action on climate change. | 25 | Congressman Walsh signed Americans for Prosperity's (AFP) No Climate Tax Pledge, stating, "I pledge to the taxpayers of my state, and to the American people, that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue." Congressman Walsh makes public statements, advocacy or votes against putting a U.S. fee on carbon. | 0 | 18.75 | https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-joe-walsh-thinks-about-immigration-climate-change-and-trump http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.ontheissues.org/2020/Joe_Walsh_Energy_+_Oil.htm | Dropped Out |
| Weld, Bill | Former Governor | R | In a speech exploring a 2020 run against President Trump, the presidential candidate stated, "Whether as protection of a fragile ecosystem or as stewardship of God’s creation, there is a pressing need to act on climate change. The United States must rejoin the Paris climate accords, and adopt targets consonant with those of other industrialized nations." Governor Bill Weld understands the consequences and importance of acting on climate change but does not see it as a top priority issue. | 75 | No | In an interview with The New Yorker, when asked his thoughts on the Green New Deal, Governor Weld stated, "You know, I’ve got to study that more than I have. It sounds pretty expensive, and I think some of what’s coming out of the left hand of the Democratic Party is probably more than I could sit still for." | No | Governor Weld is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In a 2016 interview with the Washington Post, when asked about renewable energy, the candidate stated, "I’m kind of skeptical that renewables are going to be 75 percent of the base in terms of electricity by the year 2045, which some extreme environmentalists would say that should be the goal and we should predicate our policy on that. Well, if it’s not gonna be the case, let’s not predicate our policy." | No | Governor Weld does not have a plan to phase out the usage of fossil fuels. Governor Weld has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | No | Governor Weld does not have a plan for carbon dioxide removal. In a 2016 interview with the Washington Post, the presidential candidate stated when asked about climate change that, "Technology could get us out of this. The missing piece was carbon capture and sequestration: if somebody figured out a way to sequester CO2 in the ocean in a way that was safe and that it wouldn't come back, that would be a breakthrough." | 0 | In an interview with the show "Rising" the Governor stated that, "The burden of climate change is going to fall on you all if nothing is done, and [those are] two of the major reasons I'm running." In a separate interview on NPR's "On Point" he stated, "I think the president's being irresponsible. He's got a one-word platform for global warming, which is hoax. Does he think all those scientists who took those measurements are falsifying the measurements because they're going to make money on the deal?" Governor Weld supports limited action on climate change. | 25 | In a 2016 interview with the Washington Post, when asked how he would meet the U.S.'s Paris obligations, he stated that it would not be through a carbon tax. Governor Weld makes public statements advocating against putting a U.S. fee on carbon. | 0 | 25 | https://www.boston.com/news/politics/2019/02/15/bill-weld-2020-speech https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-new-yorker-interview/bill-weld-the-republican-planning-to-run-against-trump-in-2020 http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2016/07/07/a-transcript-of-the-washington-post-editorial-boards-meeting-with-gary-johnson-and-william-weld/ https://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/443357-bill-weld-says-trumps-inaction-on-deficit-climate-will-weigh-on-millennials https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2019/04/17/bill-weld-2020-presidential-election-republican-party-donald-trump | Dropped Out |
| Sanford, Mark | Former Governor | R | In a 2007 Washington Post op-ed, titled, 'A Conservative Conservationist? Why the Right Needs to Get Invested in the Search for Climate Change Solutions,' the presidential candidate wrote, "For the past 20 years, I have seen the ever-so-gradual effects of rising sea levels at our farm on the South Carolina coast. I've had to watch once-thriving pine trees die in that fragile zone between uplands and salt marshes. I know the climate change debate isn't over, but I believe human activity is having a measurable effect on the environment." Governor Mark Sanford understands the consequences and importance of acting on climate change but does not see it as a top priority issue. | 75 | No | Governor Sanford has not come out in support of the Green New Deal. | No | Governor Sanford is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Although in 2007, as Governor of South Carolina, he issued an Executive Order establishing the Governor’s Climate, Energy, and Commerce Advisory Committee (CECAC) to develop an Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. | No | The presidential candidate has not laid out a plan to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Despite this, the former governor has been critical of offshore drilling. Governor Sanford has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | No | The former governor has no known plans to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere if elected president. | 0 | He was one of 17 Republicans to sign onto a House resolution that, "urges the House of Representatives to “address the causes and effects” of climate change," according to The Atlantic. On his presidential campaign website, he states that, "On this issue, the scientific consensus fits with what I’ve seen firsthand, and that is that it's real. I think it's important to listen to what the scientific community has said here. After all, it makes no sense to say that one believes in the modern advances of science and the way they can cure and heal the human body, but then discount what science says in other areas of our lives." Governor Sanford supports limited action on climate change. He scores zero on our Climate Plan Score, which is integral to leadership. | 25 | While serving as a Congressman in the 115th Congress, he voted in favor of H.Con.Res.119 - Expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy. Governor Sanford makes public statements, advocacy or votes against putting a U.S. fee on carbon. | 0 | 25 | http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/22/AR2007022201455_pf.html http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.eesi.org/files/ccs_sc_summary.pdf https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/congress/article226257185.html https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/03/house-republicans-climate-change-global-warming-trump/518430/ https://www.marksanford.com/issues/ http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2018/roll363.xml | Dropped Out |
| Steyer, Tom | N/A | D | In a youtube discussing his climate plan, he states, "Our planet is at a crossroads. Wildfires are taking lives and destroying communities. Prolonged heat waves and extreme storms are putting the vulnerable at risk. We can't continue to deny science and roll back environmental protections we must treat the climate crisis with the urgency it demands." Tom Steyer understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Yes | In a youtube video announcing his climate plan, Tom Steyer says, as president that he would, "challenge Congress to pass legislation to enact a green new deal which offers solutions at the same scale as the problems we face." | No | Tom Steyer is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his climate plan, he calls for 100% clean energy by 2040. | Yes | Tom Steyer supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. As part of his, 'Top priorities to address climate change,' he states that he would, "invest in local economies, end government giveaways to big polluters, and restore and expand public nature areas, working lands, and parks." He also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In his, 'Clean Energy Transformation,' plan he calls an end to, "leases for fossil fuel mining, drilling, and fracking on public lands, offshore, and in the Arctic and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge," as well as to, "end federal permitting for new fossil fuel infrastructure on day one of my administration, and responsibly wind down existing fossil fuel production nationwide." Tom Steyer signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Tom Steyer supports one or more of our carbon dioxide removal methods. As part of his, 'Clean Energy Transformation,' Tom Steyer would, "Mobilize $130B for forest health and wildfire fuel reduction treatments, to promote ecosystem resilience, fire safety, and carbon sequestration in federal, state and private forests, and for regenerative agriculture to promote soil health, help young farmers and family farmers, and to expand composting, no-till and low-till practices, and innovative crop rotation." He would also, "Establish regenerative and carbon-sequestering standards for farming and ranching on public lands, establish sustainable fisheries standards for US waters and vessels, and manage forest and ocean systems to optimize carbon sequestration and overall ecosystem health." | 75 | On September 3, 2019, Tom Steyer hosted a town hall titled, 'This is Not a Test: Climate Change Emergency Broadcast.' In 2016, Tom Steyer spent $100 million of his own money on "several Senate and governors races in which climate change could play a major role." He also is the founder of NextGen America, which was originally NextGen Climate. Tom Steyer demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Tom Steyer was a part of a group of climate activist billionaires, who raised $15.2 million to support Washington State's Carbon Emissions Fee and Revenue Allocation Initiative on the 2018 ballot. According to the Washington Post, he states he would, “End all forms of government giveaways to big polluters at the expense of American taxpayers, including unlimited and unpriced global warming pollution.” Tom Steyer publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 93.75 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=bVBWmBj1fQo https://www.tomsteyer.com/clean-energy-transformation-at-a-glance/ https://www.tomsteyer.com/climate-justice/ http://nofossilfuelmoney.org/presidential-signers/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=Gph6RplcSyc https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/22/us/politics/tom-steyer-hopes-nextgen-climate-gets-voters-to-consider-environment.html?module=inline https://nextgenamerica.org/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/carbon-tax/ | Dropped Out |
| Gabbard, Tulsi | U.S. Congresswoman | D | Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard understands the importance of climate change action as a top priority issue. In a June 2017 press release condemning President Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, she stated, “President Trump’s decision today to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, making us just one of three countries in the world not to participate, is short-sighted and irresponsible. Without global action to drastically curb carbon pollution, climate change threatens the safety and security of the planet, especially in places like Hawaiʻi where we are already experiencing its’ devastating effects." | 100 | No | Congresswoman Gabbard supports parts of the Green New Deal but does not endorse it, saying it was too vague on details. On her, 'Tulsi Gabbard on Climate Change,' page it states, "I support the carbon neutrality goals of the Green New Deal and the awareness it has brought across the country on the critical issues of energy independence and the climate crisis, however, I do not support “leaving the door open” to nuclear power unless and until there is a permanent solution to the problem of nuclear waste." | No | Congresswoman Gabbard is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. On her, 'Protect Our Planet With Clean Energy & Create Jobs,' page, she proposes passing The OFF Fossil Fuels Act, which calls for 100% renewable energy by 2035. | Yes | Congresswoman Gabbard supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In a September 2019 tweet, she stated, "As president, I’ll tackle climate change by ending subsidies to big fossil fuel...." Congresswoman Gabbard also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In an interview with the Washington Post, she stated, "Yes, I would end the leasing of federal land and waters for fossil fuel extraction.” Congresswoman Gabbard signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | Congresswoman Gabbard introduced the OFF Fossil Fuels Act of 2017, which states, "Conventional, large-scale farming is the cause of widespread topsoil depletion, and is a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. There are better alternatives and sustainable solutions in the form of regenerative agricultural practices. We should incentivize farmers who provide healthier food, sustain the land and sequester carbon dioxide and methane." On her, 'Protect Our Planet With Clean Energy & Create Jobs,' page she calls for the passing of the OFF Fossil Fuels Act. | 50 | In a February 2018 tweet proposing the passing of the OFF Fossil Fuels Act of 2017, the Congresswoman stated, "Reaching 100 percent renewable energy as quickly as possible is required to save our planet from the worst effects of climate change. The #OFFAct sets a clear timeline to get there by 2035, with an 80 percent interim benchmark by 2027. We can do this." Congresswoman Gabbard makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 50 | In an interview with the Washington Post, she stated, "Ultimately I don't think that the carbon tax is the right way to get us there. Instead of passing the costs on to those who can least afford it, I will end corporate welfare to fossil fuel and nuclear power companies,” Congresswoman Gabbard does not support a U.S. fee on carbon. | 25 | 56.25 | https://gabbard.house.gov/news/press-releases/rep-tulsi-gabbard-denounces-president-trump-s-decision-withdraw-paris-climate https://www.tulsigabbard.org/tulsi-gabbard-on-climate-change https://twitter.com/tulsigabbard/status/1169598554987323392?lang=en https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-leasing-public-lands/ https://gabbard.house.gov/sites/gabbard.house.gov/files/H.R.%203671%20OFF%20Fossil%20Fuels%20Act.pdf https://www.tulsi2020.com/record/protect-our-planet-clean-energy-create-jobs https://twitter.com/TulsiGabbard/status/959545708683694080 https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/carbon-tax/ | Dropped Out |
| Bloomberg, Michael | Former Mayor of New York City | D | In a 2019 commencement speech at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology, Bloomberg stated, “We’re in a race against time with climate change, and yet there is virtually no hope of bold federal action on this issue for at least another two years. Mother Nature is not waiting on our political calendar, and neither can we.” Mayor Michael Bloomberg understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | No | In a 2019 CNBC article, Bloomberg states, “The idea of a Green New Deal — first suggested by the columnist Tom Friedman more than a decade ago — stands no chance of passage in the Senate over the next two years...But Mother Nature does not wait on our political calendar, and neither can we.” | No | The Mayor is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. In his "Plan for 100% Clean energy, he commits to "propelling the country towards a 100% clean-energy economy-wide future as soon as humanly possible and before 2050..." | Yes | Mayor Bloomberg has recently made public statements opposing fossil fuel subsidies. In his "Plan for 100% Clean Power he says he will, "Achieve a complete transition from gas to clean energy, beginning with an end to all subsidies for fossil fuels." He commits to establishing a moratorium on all new fossil fuel leases on federal lands. He has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | In a Time op-ed, titled "Plants Are the Key to Repairing Climate Damage," Bloomberg and his co-author write, "We simply have to protect valuable natural ecosystems like peat bogs and mangroves, start planting and growing more trees than we cut, adopt farming practices that treat soil as a primary asset rather than stripping it of nutrients and carbon, and allow grasslands to be grazed in ways that enhance, rather than destroy, their productivity. Healthier agriculture and forestry, in all their forms, are the keys to reducing atmospheric concentrations of CO2." | 50 | Mayor Bloomberg pledged $500 million to his new campaign, 'Beyond Carbon,' which would close every coal-fired power plant in the United States and halt the construction of new natural gas plants. In a 2019 press release on President Trump's decision to begin the formal process for withdrawing the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, he stated, “Abandoning the Paris Agreement is an abdication of leadership that the vast majority of Americans oppose. Americans want action on climate change, and it’s up to the public to deliver what Washington won’t – and we are." Bloomberg Philanthropies is supporting the thousands of cities, states, businesses, and organizations committed to helping the U.S. reach the goals we set under the Paris Agreement." Mayor Bloomberg demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Mayor Bloomberg was a part of a group of climate activist billionaires, who raised $15.2 million to support Washington State's Carbon Emissions Fee and Revenue Allocation Initiative on the 2018 ballot. According to the Washington Post, he states he would, “End all forms of government giveaways to big polluters at the expense of American taxpayers, including unlimited and unpriced global warming pollution.” Michael Bloomberg was also listed in a 2017 Wall Street Journal full-page advertisement that called for a national carbon tax. Mayor Bloomberg publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/05/mike-bloomberg-says-green-new-deal-stands-no-chance.html https://news.littlesis.org/2019/02/06/michael-bloomberg-versus-the-green-new-deal/ https://www.mikebloomberg.com/policies/plan-for-100-percent-clean-power?gclid=CjwKCAiA6vXwBRBKEiwAYE7iS4gjUk7NorF3He9zhP0AfSMK4eV6OnpOj7Yt6ZLo4O0TuxkDwge6KBoC-T0QAvD_BwE https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2019/11/08/mike-bloomberg-sides-fossil-fuels-and-fracking https://earthjustice.org/news/press/2019/michael-bloomberg-launches-beyond-carbon-the-largest-ever-coordinated-campaign-against-climate-change-in-united https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2020-election/bloomberg-blasts-pie-sky-green-new-deal-rips-warren-wealth-n964056 https://time.com/4734856/bloomberg-climate-hope/ https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/06/climate/bloomberg-climate-pledge-coal.html https://www.mikebloomberg.com/news/mike-bloomberg-statement-on-president-trumps-formal-withdrawal-from-the-paris-agreement https://www.clcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Climate_Leadership_Council_WSJ_Ad.pdf https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/29/opinion/climate-change-carbon-price.html | Dropped Out |
| Delaney, John | Former Congressman | D | In a 2019 press release, Congressman Delaney stated, "Climate change is a threat multiplier. Period. Left unchecked, climate change will lead to the displacement of millions of people, global economic hardship, the increased spread of disease, and significant pressure on natural resources including food. These things make conflicts more likely. The military has been serious and clear-eyed about this. The Trump Administration has not." John Delaney understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | No | In a February 2019 tweet, Congressman Delaney stated, "The Green New Deal as it has been proposed is about as realistic as Trump saying that Mexico is going to pay for the wall. Let's focus on what's possible, not what's impossible. #GND #GreenNewDeal” | No | Congressman Delaney is not committed to 100% renewable energy by 2030. His $4 trillion climate change plan calls for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. | Yes | Congressman Delaney supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In his climate change plan, he proposes the end to fossil fuel subsidies. Congressman Delaney also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. According to a Washington Post survey, when asked if he would end leasing for fossil fuel extraction on federal lands, he responded in the affirmative. Congressman Delaney has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | In Congressman Delaney's climate change plan, he proposes a $5 billion investment in Negative Emission Technologies (NET), which according to his plan includes direct air capture. | 50 | In a 2019 The Hill op-ed, titled, 'Solving climate change the American way,' the former Congressman, wrote, "Global warming is an existential crisis. The overwhelming consensus in the scientific community is that global warming will threaten the prosperity and security of not only every American, but people around the world. To address this threat with the seriousness and analytical clarity that it deserves we have to focus on one core goal: reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere." Congressman Delaney demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | In Congressman Delaney's climate change plan, it states, "The largest component of Delaney’s climate plan that will have the biggest impact is his Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal. It is time we put a price on carbon to end polluters’ free ride." Congressman Delaney publicly supports and advocates for a U.S. fee on carbon. | 100 | 87.5 | https://www.johndelaney.com/2019/02/22/delaney-trumps-climate-denialism-makes-us-less-safe/ https://twitter.com/johndelaney/status/1096070181414191104 https://www.johndelaney.com/issues/climate-change/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-leasing-public-lands/ https://www.johndelaney.com/issues/negative-emissions-technologies/ https://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/434854-solving-climate-change-the-american-way | Dropped Out |
| Bennet, Michael | U.S Senator | D | On Senator Michael Bennet's, 'Climate Change & Environment,' page, it states, "Michael knows climate change is not a problem we can push off to the next generation. Persistent droughts and wildfires threaten the businesses of farmers and ranchers in Colorado. Warming temperatures endanger skiing, fly fishing, and hiking in communities across the West. Increasing carbon pollution is threatening the health of our children. Senator Bennet understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | No | According to a Washington Post survey, the Senator does not endorse the Green New Deal, stating that, "The Green New Deal has lifted the climate change debate and set strong goals, both of which are critically important. But it also includes policies such as paid vacation and affordable housing, which we should evaluate on their own merits, but not in a climate plan.” He also voted present on A joint resolution recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal (S.J.Res.8). | No | Senator Bennet does not commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030. His climate change plan calls to, "Achieve 100 Percent Clean, Net-Zero Emissions No Later Than 2050." | No | Senator Bennet supports ending fossil fuel subsidies. In his climate change plan, it states, "Instead of spending more than $7 billion each year to subsidize fossil fuels, the Bennet Administration will: Offer retrofits and access to zero-emission energy like community solar...." The presidential candidate does not support ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In a Washington, Post survey, when asked if he would end fossil fuel extraction on federal lands, he did not provide an answer. Also when asked by MSNBC's Chris Hayes, if he would stop oil and natural gas leasing on public lands, he stated, "I think if it is extracted properly, natural gas has a role to play in the transition to renewables." Senator Bennet has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | In his climate change plan, it states that he would, "Assist farmers and ranchers to transition to voluntary carbon sequestration practices." It also states that a Bennet administration would, "...in addition, sequestering carbon emissions in our ecosystems is one of the lowest cost methods to reduce carbon emissions globally. We must capitalize on the role of our ecosystems to decrease carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of heat, drought, flood, and fire caused by climate change in a way that empowers the farmers, ranchers, and foresters working our lands. | 25 | In a 2019 interview with the Washington Post, when asked about climate change he stated, "We have to act urgently. But this is another place where if we accept their current political outcomes, we're doomed. Because you can't fix climate two years at a time. If you accept the politics, where this is all about putting in your policies for two years or four years, and having them ripped out by the other party the next two years or four years, you can't address climate change. You can't do it. You have to address it urgently, but you have to do it in a way that's durable." Senator Bennet makes public statements and advocates for action on climate change, but not as a top priority issue. | 50 | Senator Bennet has no known position on a U.S. carbon fee. When asked by a Washington Post survey if he would support a carbon tax, he responded, stating, "There are a variety of tools we can use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I think we should include the country in making that decision, rather than making it from Washington.” | 50 | 56.25 | https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/climate-change-environment https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/ https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/8/text https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-subsidies/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-leasing-public-lands/ https://westernwire.net/2020-candidate-bennet-supports-natural-gas-ahead-of-nationwide-fossil-fuel-protests/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/07/26/transcript-sen-michael-bennet-d-colo/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/carbon-tax/ | Dropped Out |
| Williamson, Marianne | N/A | D | On Marianne Williamson's, 'Environmental Crisis,' page, it states, "Our biggest crisis regarding the climate emergency is humanity’s massive state of denial that it exists on the scale it does. Yet willingness to recognize the depth of the problem is prerequisite to our solving it. It is a psychological and moral challenge to face the horror of what stands before us over the next ten years should we not act; yet there - in our standing raw before the truth that it confronts us with - lies our only hope for surviving it." | 100 | Yes | According to a Washington Post survey, when asked if she supports the Green New Deal, her campaign responded, "A Green New Deal would provide an overall strategy for how clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and transportation, and a national green jobs program can revitalize our economy and utilize our innovative and human capacity to benefit all our people.” | No | Marianne Williamson does not commit to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Her 'Getting Our Environmental Policy Back On Track,' plan calls for the electric power sector to be decarbonized by 2040. | Yes | Marianne Williamson supports eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. In her, 'Getting Our Environmental Policy Back On Track,' plan, it states, "We must eliminate all fossil fuel subsidies and instead make massive investments in, and provide subsidies for, clean green solutions." She also supports ending fossil fuel extraction on public lands. In her plan, it states that she would, "End all new oil and gas leases in federal lands and waters." Marianne Williamson signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | Yes | In Marianne Williamson's climate plan it states, "The United States and world must take unprecedented action between now and 2030 to actually bring the carbon we put in the atmosphere back into the earth where it came from—to reforest, transform our dirt back to soil on our farms, restore wetlands, peatlands, and increase phytoplankton and fisheries—among other critical measures." | 75 | Scientists now tell us if we don't radically change over the next 12 years our situation involving climate change crisis is so huge that we could be facing massive instances of social collapse, mass starvation, mass food shortages, whole swathes of countries even continents perhaps that are uninhabitable due to heat... We need a world war two-level mass mobilization. Ladies and gentlemen, it's not a question of do you think we should turn from a dirty economy to a clean economy it's a question of the only way we can guarantee our grandchildren will breathe is if we do." Marianne Williamson demonstrates leadership by advocating action on climate change as a top priority issue. | 100 | Marianne Williamson's climate plan states that she would, "Explore the concept of carbon fees being mandatory (not market-based), because many progressives and environmentalists have successfully argued that doing this will help achieve further reductions in emissions AND protect lower-income and people of color who have the least protection against climate impacts." In a Washington Post survey, when asked if she would support a carbon tax she stated, "I feel a federal carbon tax is important and is only one tool that we will need to address this imminent threat to our communities, country and environment.” Marianne Williamson supports a U.S. fee on carbon but does not advocate for it. | 75 | 87.5 | https://www.marianne2020.com/issues/climate-change https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_8ZWYu2CU8 https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/carbon-tax/ | Dropped Out |
| Patrick, Deval | Former Governor | D | While discussing climate change in Iowa, Governor Deval Patrick, stated, "We’re already late to climate change. The question is whether we are too late and if we continue to delay we will be too late. We’re not talking about an inconvenience. We’re talking about the survival of humankind.” Deval Patrick understands the importance of climate change as a top priority issue | 100 | No | According to a November 2019 E&E News article, "Democratic presidential candidate Deval Patrick said last night that combating climate change is a priority for him, but he does not plan to put his weight behind the Green New Deal." | No | Governor Patrick does not commit to 100% Renewable Energy by 2030. | Yes | "Patrick supports eliminating federal subsidies for fossil fuels, a campaign spokesperson told The Post." "Patrick supports stopping new fossil fuel extraction leases on federal lands, a campaign spokesperson told The Washington Post." He has also not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. | No | Governor Patrick has not made public statements or provided policy documents indicating his position on carbon dioxide removal solutions. | 25 | At a Michigan Law School event, when discussing climate change, the presidential candidate stated, "When you consider a challenge as profound as climate change, it feels to me like we have to be doing a lot of different things simultaneously, and to try to get at the problem at a lot of different levels. Wouldn't it be interesting if some of the candidates on our side went to Eastern Kentucky or West Virginia and said, 'The coal business has been in decline for a long time. How about we make this a hub for clean technology? How about we do wind blade and solar assembly here?’” Governor Patrick agrees with scientists that climate change is real and human-made, but does not understand the importance of climate action as a top priority issue. | 50 | Governor Patrick has no known position on a U.S. carbon fee. | 50 | 56.25 | https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/deval-patrick-democrat-presidential-candidate-cedar-rapids-20191118 https://www.eenews.net/greenwire/stories/1061591771?t=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eenews.net%2Fstories%2F1061591771 https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-subsidies/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/policy-2020/climate-change/fossil-fuel-leasing-public-lands/ https://thehill.com/changing-america/sustainability/energy/470496-where-deval-patrick-an-ex-oil-executive-stands-on | Dropped Out |
Voter’s Guide FAQs
How do I use the Voter’s Guide?
Vote Climate U.S. PAC’s 2020 Presidential voters guide empowers every American to vote climate as a top priority issue in the U.S. Presidential election. Our voters guide gives all debate-qualified, Democratic and Republican candidates a – climate calculation – a score from zero to 100 to take into the voting booth. Voters can use it to choose a candidate with the highest score, to lead our nation toward climate action. For detailed information on each candidate, click the green + sign to the left of their name.
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For 2020 Democratic and Republican presidential candidates, please read the details in the Voter’s Guide Scoring Criteria.
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