JD Vance and Tim Walz’s Stances on Environmental Issues
Claire Kietduriyakul ’26
Cathy Zhang ’26
As environmental issues increasingly impact daily life—from rising energy costs to more frequent extreme weather events—the 2024 election presents a critical moment for voters to consider the future of U.S. climate policy. The stark contrast between JD Vance’s and Tim Walz’s positions on these matters underscores the larger, ongoing national debate about how the U.S. should tackle the climate crisis. Their views reflect two competing visions: one focused on traditional energy sources and economic expansion through deregulation, and the other centered on clean energy, sustainability, and long-term climate resilience.
JD Vance, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, positions himself as a staunch supporter of fossil fuel industries, viewing energy independence as a critical pillar of economic stability and growth. For Vance, deregulation is essential to unlocking domestic energy potential, which he sees as key to reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and creating jobs. He is critical of federal climate initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act, arguing that they overregulate industries and disproportionately benefit foreign competitors like China. Vance’s approach to environmental policy is rooted in skepticism toward the urgency of climate change; in fact, he has publicly referred to it as "weird science," suggesting that concerns over carbon emissions are overstated. Instead, Vance advocates for expanding oil drilling, fracking, and other traditional energy sources, believing that the private sector should drive energy innovation without excessive government intervention (Vance, 2024; CleanChoice Energy, 2024)
In contrast, Tim Walz has long prioritized environmental sustainability and progressive climate action throughout his career. As governor of Minnesota, Walz implemented some of the nation’s most ambitious climate policies, including setting a state goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2040. Walz frames climate action not only as a moral imperative but also as an economic opportunity, emphasizing the job creation potential of renewable energy industries. He has signed over 40 climate-related bills into law, which include expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, accelerating the construction of renewable energy sites, and providing job training in clean energy sectors. Walz’s approach aligns with a national agenda of reducing emissions and transitioning the U.S. to a low-carbon economy, in line with international climate goals aimed at limiting global temperature rise (Walz, 2024; WXXI News, 2024)
The differing perspectives of Vance and Walz reflect the broader ideological divide in American politics. Vance’s reliance on fossil fuel expansion and market-driven solutions contrasts sharply with Walz’s focus on government-led initiatives to mitigate climate risks and create green jobs. As voters head to the polls in 2024, these competing visions will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S. environmental policy.
References
JD Vance’s Stances On Climate Change, Clean Energy, and The Environment. (2024). Retrieved October 22, 2024, from
Cleanchoiceenergy.com website: https://cleanchoiceenergy.com/news/jd-vance-climate-change-clean-energy-environment
Lubin, R. (2024, October 2). JD Vance labels climate change as “weird science” as he refuses to say it’s real in VP debate with Walz.
Retrieved October 22, 2024, from The Independent website: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/jd-vance-tim-walz-vp-debate-climate-change-b2622538.html
Brady, J. (2024, August 9). Here’s what Tim Walz did on climate change as Minnesota governor. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from
WHYY website: https://whyy.org/articles/harris-walz-climate-minnesota/
Brady, J. (2024, August 8). Here’s what Tim Walz did on climate change as Minnesota governor. Retrieved October 22, 2024,
from WXXI News website: https://www.wxxinews.org/npr-news/2024-08-08/heres-what-tim-walz-did-on-climate-change-as-minnesota-governor
