Why Kamala Harris is the Climate and Clean Energy Leader We Need
by Michelle Deatrick, Founder & Chair of DNC Council on the Environment & Climate Crisis
The climate crisis isn't coming. It’s here, impacting everything from our lives and livelihoods to our food systems and national security.
As part of my work, I travel the country speaking with farmers, activists, innovators, local leaders, and young people. I hear about floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, skyrocketing insurance costs, and decimated harvests. I also see people leading us toward a clean energy future with innovations like EVs, wind and solar farms, and breakthrough energy efficiency technologies.
My work, your work, and the work of millions of Americans to save our planet and create a robust clean energy economy are all on the line this election. If we don’t work hard in the coming days to get Vice President Kamala Harris elected, the progress of recent years and the opportunities to make a difference going forward, could vanish.
The Inflation Reduction Act was a groundbreaking moment for the climate movement and the clean energy industry. After decades of efforts to pass meaningful climate legislation, the law turbocharged America’s clean energy industry while bringing down costs for consumers through efficiency tax credits and other incentives.
Since Vice President Harris cast the tie-breaking vote to pass the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, companies have invested $265 billion in clean energy, creating more than 330,000 new jobs. National battery storage is on track to double this year alone, and solar module manufacturing capacity is projected to be five times higher this year than when President Biden assumed office. Meanwhile, wind energy generation set new records in 2024, exceeding coal generation for the first time in April.
MCJ portfolio companies are among those benefiting from the law’s incentives: Moment Energy received a $6 million tax credit to build a factory to repurpose retired electric vehicle batteries for grid modernization. Sublime Systems, which is advancing a fossil fuel-free replacement for traditional cement, was among 33 companies tapped to receive a total of $6 billion to fund the development of commercial scale net-zero industrial projects.
These projects are just two examples of how the Inflation Reduction Act supports innovators tackling the climate crisis and creating American jobs. And the law also gave a boost to existing clean energy markets, helping firms like Arcadia, a company that builds utility data technology for consumers in community solar markets
“Thanks to the IRA, we're seeing rapid growth in community solar and are on track to help millions of families save money while supporting local clean energy,” said Arcadia founder and CEO Kiran Bhatraju. “We know that the IRA is working, and repealing any part of it would harm American families."
Such warnings about repeal should be taken seriously because when it comes to clean energy and climate change, the stakes in the election could not be higher.
Donald Trump has repeatedly said climate change is a hoax and has pledged to gut the Inflation Reduction Act's key climate provisions, putting the law’s tax credits and other incentives at risk. Project 2025, the conservative playbook for a second Trump term, goes further, calling for a complete repeal of the law.
By contrast, Vice President Harris has taken on Big Oil as attorney general of California, winning millions in settlements and holding polluters accountable. As a U.S. senator, she led legislation on clean air, clean water, and climate resilience. And she has made clear that a Harris-Walz administration will maximize the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investments in clean energy, building on its successes.
I have long thought of climate change as a systemic but not intractable problem — a problem that we absolutely can tackle. But to do so, we need elected leaders who are committed to responding to this crisis. We need leaders who will respond at the required scope and scale. And we need leaders who will spur and sustain the investments, innovations, and legislation that are all so urgently needed.
It is hard to imagine a presidential candidate being against laws that make our air cleaner and our communities safer, and that put money back in the pockets of American working families. Yet Trump rolled back 125 environmental regulations during his time in office. And earlier this year, he promised oil executives he would gut environmental protections if they gave $1 billion to his campaign.
With just days left until November 5th, this is no time for complacency. As Vice President Harris says, “When we fight, we win.” Whether that means joining phonebanks, coordinating with other climate mobilizers near you, or independently heading to a swing state to canvass in person, there is no time to waste. So take a moment now to join me and our campaign—nothing less than our climate future depends on it.
🍿 The Lean Back
Learn how to navigate the climate vote with Tiernan Sittenfeld from LCV.
🎙️ The Final Stop on My Climate Journey
As we mark this moment, we’re bringing back a familiar voice: MCJ founder Jason Jacobs. In a special episode, Cody and Jason reflect on the show’s evolution, sharing lessons learned, the power of collaboration, and deep gratitude for our incredible community of listeners.
But don’t worry—the show isn’t ending. It’s only evolving. While the format you love will stay the same, a new name is on the way (to be announced soon!). MCJ Collective members should peek in the MCJ Podcast Chat Channel for a sneak peek.
Join us in closing one chapter and gearing up for what’s next. Listen to the full episode here.
👩💻 Climate Jobs
For more open positions, check out the Job Openings space in the MCJ Collective member hub or the MCJ Job Board.
Development Geologist at Charm Industrial (Fort Lupton, CO)
Senior Systems Adminstrator at Crusoe (SF Bay Area)
Synthetic Organic Chemist at Epoch Biodesign (London, UK)
Tech Lead Manager at Euclid Power (Remote/US)
Director, Energy and Origination at Heirloom (Brisbane, CA)
Full Stack Software Engineer at LevelTen Energy (Seattle, WA)
Business Analyst at Mill (New York, NY)
Marketing Manager at Nitricity (SF Bay Area)
Environmental and Social Officer at Odyssey Energy (Remote)
Recruiting Lead at Patch (SF Bay Area)
Senior Water Advisor at Waterplan (Remote/Europe)
👩💻 Events
🗳️ Hour of Action with Team Monday: In 60 minutes, we'll take meaningful action to support the climate champions running in the tightest races in the 2024 Election. Each week, our actions will vary: we'll write letters to voters, phone bank, activate our networks, and more. Whether you're a seasoned advocate or brand new to political action, this space is for you. Register here. (Nov 4)
🌍 Europe Climate Week 2024: 5 days of free virtual events featuring leading climate experts and organizations, plus local community meetups across Europe for professionals exploring climate career opportunities. See the whole schedule from November 4-8 at EuropeClimateWeek.org
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Fantastic and very informative article.
Awesome article!