Energy and Climate Showdown: Harris vs. Trump and Their Divergent Paths

Climate change, highlighted as a critical issue during Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, now receives relatively less focus in the 2024 presidential race. Candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris both aim to lower energy costs and boost U.S. job growth, yet their approaches are vastly different.

On the campaign trail, both candidates have dedicated minimal time to articulating their specific plans, preferring to focus on criticizing each other’s policies as extreme. Harris advocates for expanding renewable energy, emphasizing its role in reducing carbon emissions. She proudly references her tie-breaking vote in the U.S. Senate that helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, a significant law aimed at clean energy investment.

Conversely, Trump champions fossil fuel production, attributing rising energy prices to renewable energy policies. He has called for lifting restrictions on new oil and gas exploration, aiming to increase fuel supply and subsequently lower costs. During a recent press conference, Trump condemned spending associated with the Green New Deal, labeling it a scam and questioning the current administration’s environmental priorities.

Both candidates assert that they can drive down energy costs. Trump strives to eliminate regulations and cut taxes, promising to significantly reduce energy expenses without offering a detailed strategy. Implicit in his critique is the argument that Biden’s focus on renewables has stifled fossil fuel production, leading to higher prices.

Harris, however, positions her support for renewable energy within a broader energy strategy that acknowledges the role of fossil fuels. She notes that the Inflation Reduction Act also enables new oil and gas leases while incentivizing renewable sources. In a debate with Trump, Harris asserted that her tenure as vice president has seen a record investment in clean energy alongside increased domestic gas production.

Furthermore, she pointed out potential savings for consumers through tax benefits related to green technology established by the Inflation Reduction Act, claiming significant financial relief for millions of American families. For his part, Trump claims that while he supports some environmentally friendly technologies, he believes Democrats have over-invested in non-fossil fuel options, criticizing the Inflation Reduction Act as wasteful spending.

Biden’s long-held belief that moving away from fossil fuels could benefit workers resonates with Harris’s economic narrative. She cites job creation attributed to the Inflation Reduction Act, touting over 800,000 manufacturing jobs generated during her vice presidency. In contrast, Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance, criticize the Democrats’ energy policies, arguing they limit job opportunities in the energy sector.

Trump has sharply criticized the Biden administration’s climate initiatives, claiming such policies worsen inflation while pledging to repeal the Green New Deal. He has promised to redirect unspent funds away from what he terms “scams.” Despite his attempts to distance himself from the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, some alignment exists with his goals for a second term, particularly regarding the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act.

In contrast, Harris steadfastly defends her role in passing the climate law and expresses her commitment to furthering its objectives. She envisions a future where clean energy investments are enhanced while ensuring regulatory frameworks keep projects efficient and environmentally conscious.