With Buttigieg surging, and CleanTechnica’s deep dives into the front runners (and Yang’s) plans completed, it’s time for the overview comparison, now with Mayor Pete added.
In the second half of this episode of our CleanTech Talk podcast interview series, Zach Shahan continues his conversation with Michael Barnard, Chief Strategist of TFIE Strategy Inc. and CleanTechnica contributor, about the role of climate change plans and policies in the 2020 presidential election. You can listen to the full conversation in the embedded player below. Below that embedded SoundCloud player is a brief summarization of the topics covered, but tune into the podcast to follow the full discussion.
Pete Buttigieg’s climate action plan is not nearly as strong as Warren’s, and the lack of funding puts it close to the level of Biden’s at the bottom of the heap. The major saving grace is the price on carbon.
US conservative concerns about the Green New Deal are odd. Each ‘bad’ section is tied to the New Deal, climate change, real problems, and sensible plans.
Of the DNC Presidential candidates, Harris and Warren have robust, salable climate plans. Biden’s is worst, Yang’s is interesting and Sanders’ is unsalable. With a couple of additions, Warren’s plan will be very supportable in 2020. If Biden is the candidate, major surgery will be required.
Warren’s new climate commitments add a trillion dollars, specific targets in some areas, and significant improvements on electrification, industry, and transportation. They improve the plan substantially.
Harris’ plan is the most inclusive of other politicians and the least arrogant about being about her.
The Green New Deal outlines a vision for economic, infrastructure, and clean energy investment that recognizes the need to bring underrepresented groups into climate action discussions.
A group of 20 US Senate Democrats have called for the extension of clean energy tax incentives such as the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC), the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and the residential renewable energy tax credit, a call which has been applauded and joined by the country’s clean energy associations.
Several Democratic Senators and Representatives have introduced legislation to extend the US federal tax credit for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 10 years. The extension is wrapped in the Electric Cars Act of 2018.
