Dems cautiously optimistic for clean energy following midterms sweep
“I don’t want to romanticize what this will mean. I don’t expect they’ll do anything but double down,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said at COP31.
California Governor Gavin Newsom cautioned during COP31 that Democrats' recent sweep in Congress does not guarantee an effortless path for clean energy in the coming two years. Newsom expressed his skepticism, stating that he doesn't anticipate the new Congress will do more than reinforce existing policies. He emphasized that local and state leaders must remain vigilant and continue their own clean energy efforts over the next two years.
Joining Newsom at the summit were Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico, and around a dozen mayors. Additionally, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island and a group of House members led by Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., planned to attend the summit the following day. These officials were the only U.S. elected representatives present at COP31, which had no federal representation.
In contrast to Newsom's caution, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was more optimistic. He suggested that with the Democrats in control, it would be more challenging for the new Congress to erect roadblocks for clean energy initiatives. Meanwhile, other world leaders at the main podium presented a diverse array of perspectives. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham touted "a new era of British leadership," while Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez asserted her nation's right to increase oil production.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian demanded that the U.S. compensate for environmental damages resulting from the war in Iran.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
