Our democracy is at a crossroads. From denying the election of President Biden to supporting laws that undermine equal access to the ballot box, "MAGA" policymakers and political candidates nationwide are openly attacking democratic processes. Moreover, insurrectionists who took part in the January 6th insurgence are running for office, including for state legislatures. And, rightwing organizers have set in motion a nationwide program to recruit poll workers and county election officials who believe in Trump's Big Lie. These anti-democratic trends raise alarm bells for our rights and the future of our nation — and emphasize the importance of ensuring that policymakers with integrity fill elected offices, up and down the ballot. 

These attacks on our democracy have been reported on extensively. What may be news, however, is that these same anti-democratic tactics are also being used to handcuff climate policy. 

A new report from Climate Cabinet Education demonstrates this reality starkly. It describes how gerrymandered legislatures in North Carolina and Pennsylvania have wrested power from their pro-climate governors, blocking executive actions intended to clean up the power sector and advance vehicle electrification. At the same time, these legislatures are attacking voting rights and implementing racist policies that disenfranchise youth and voters of color.
 
For decades, fossil-fuel-funded interests have invested heavily to sway American politics and policy. Yet, the majority of Americans across the political spectrum are in favor of clean energy and action to address climate change. Fossil fuel industries know their policies are unpopular — which is why anti-democratic power grabs are key to their path forward.

In order to protect our climate and protect our democracy, we need to build sustained power in state legislatures, the battleground for both. As the Inflation Reduction Act sends funding to states to spur the clean energy transition, this work is more urgent than ever. 

Below, you'll learn more about the new report on Climate and Democracy, upcoming events in San Francisco and Charlottesville, and more. 

Welcome back to the Climate Cabinet Newsletter!

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