How the US Election Could Alter America’s Environmental Future
By Space Coast Daily // June 17, 2020
On Tuesday, November 3rd, the American people will cast their votes in the 59th quadrennial presidential election.
At the time of writing, it appears that Donald Trump will be competing against Joe Biden in his efforts to be re-elected as the country’s 45th President, following both candidates being named as their respective party’s presumptive nominee.
While there will be many decisive factors that ultimately contribute to the result of the highly-anticipated election, we’re going to take a look at both Trump and Biden’s environmental policies. In turn, we’ll then consider how these could alter America’s future.
Trump’s Stance on Environmental Issues
While the current President of the United States is the face of his campaign and political beliefs, he is not the only figure within his current regime that influences environmental regulations. According to the New York Times, those who the 73-year-old appoints to tackle issues relating to the protection of America’s air and water held previous employment positions in industries centered around agricultural and chemical sectors, in addition to fossil fuels.
Despite controversial moves that have seemingly undone years of eco-friendly work, there are indications that the in-power Republican party are keen to adapt and evolve in order to handle contemporary environmental issues.
As per a report by Inside Climate News, climate change is becoming a pivotal issue among new-age Republicans. Because of this, and in an effort for support, it may prove to be the catalyst for Trump evolving his approach regarding America’s potentially green future.
Moreover, during his four-year reign as President, Trump has supported numerous environmental proposals, as stated by White House.gov. For example, in 2018, the 73-year-old signed the Save Our Seas Act, which sought to promote international action relating to reducing marine debris.
What About Biden?
Unlike Trump, Biden, the Democratic nominee for the upcoming election, has been more open regarding his long-term plans for America’s environmental future. According to his campaign website, the Pennsylvanian-born recognizes that climate change is the most significant threat that both the world and America are faced with.
In seeking to become the country’s 46th President, Biden is placing his Green New Deal at the very forefront of his campaign. Fundamentally, the idea is centered around a clean energy revolution that will, if given time, reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050.
Additionally, the proposal will financially support America’s clean future, while also seeking to inspire the rest of the world’s most influential countries to tackle climate change head-on.
Furthermore, the Democratic candidate also hasn’t held back in outlining what America’s fracking sector could look like should he become President. Contrary to suggestions that he would move to ban fracking, the 77-year-old responded in May by declaring that he would not shut down the industry.
As of June 11th, Biden is 8/11 to win the 2020 US Presidential Election, but many believe that his shifting views on fracking may hinder his chances of being elected.
America’s Environmental Future Remains Unclear
Ultimately, while policies relating to the environment won’t be the only factor that decides the result of the upcoming election, they could play a significant role in affecting the presidential outcome.
Fundamentally, America’s eco-friendly future under either candidate isn’t guaranteed, but it appears clear that each seeks to tackle contemporary issues in their own unique way.
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