Donald Trump’s Statements in the Presidential Debate Were Misleading and Dangerous

“It’s hard to know which is worse: that Donald Trump doesn’t know the solid science behind the damage that climate change is doing, or that he just doesn’t care enough to be honest with the American people.

“Donald Trump used tonight’s debate to once again mislead the American people. He dismissed the serious danger of climate pollution, which threatens our economy. Climate change is a test of leadership, and tonight, Donald Trump failed that test.  

“Donald Trump called climate change a hoax on November 6, 2012 and again on December 6, 2013. He’s made similarly irresponsible comments on this issue during this current campaign. And as recently as today he doubled down on that view by appointing a fringe climate change skeptic to run his environmental transition team. Trump clearly has a problem with both truth and science.

“NASA and all major American scientific organizations have established the real threat of climate change, based on decades of study. To suggest otherwise is to recklessly gamble our children’s future.

“Trump’s statements on energy policy are also backward-looking and irresponsible. His plans would lead to more pollution, more asthma attacks, and fewer clean energy jobs. Instead of leading, he promises to take the country backward. Instead of asking polluters to pay, he wants to let them keep fouling our air and water, and wrecking our climate. 

“Trump’s understanding of energy policy is frighteningly shallow. Cancelling clean air rules and allowing irresponsible drilling on precious public lands would not make us more competitive. We are in a race for the clean energy jobs of the 21^st Century and the plans Donald Trump has outlined would wave a white surrender flag to Europe and China.”

            - Elgie Holstein, EDF Action