EDF Action Statement on Tonight’s Presidential Debate

“Watching Donald Trump in tonight’s debate, it was hard to escape the conclusion that he is simply not serious about tackling some of the nation’s most pressing problems. He has made clear throughout the campaign that this lack of seriousness includes his views on climate change and the need for investment in building a clean energy future.

 

“Trump has repeatedly called climate change a hoax, while promising to dismantle EPA — the government watchdog that American families depend on to keep their air and water clean. Trump would allow climate-changing pollution to continue damaging the nation’s health, safety, economy, and environment. While he would permit the powerful to pollute without consequence, he ignores the potential for hundreds of thousands of new, high-paying jobs in renewable energy and other clean energy businesses, which are already booming.

 

“Hillary Clinton has shown that she takes the challenge of climate change seriously and has committed herself to finding solutions. She has proposed a strong plan to expand clean energy, and has promised to fight to limit pollution in our air, water and atmosphere. As she said in tonight’s debate, “I want new jobs in clean energy, not only to fight climate change, which is a serious problem….”

 

“We have now been through three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate and the moderators have asked a total of zero questions about climate change. That is a failure of responsibility and a real loss for voters. “ 

 

- Statement of Elizabeth Thompson, President, EDF Action