Hi John,

The recent racial injustice of George Floyd in Minnesota has once again highlighted the gross inequities black and brown people continue to experience in this country. We also see minorities, including African-Americans, contracting and dying from the novel coronavirus at a higher rate than their white counterparts, in part due to living in communities with dirtier air. Read my op-ed in The Hill this week for more on that. 

The Election Climate

A pivotal election cycle is upon us, with many congressional primaries only days away, and climate change is playing a prominent role. But Republicans, often led by Trump, are weaponizing climate in a cynical effort to attract voters in November. The Administration has consistently downplayed science, and this pattern is bleeding into how the government responds to COVID-19.

We’re keeping you informed with a new blog series, The Election Climate, from the Climate and Energy Program’s Senior Vice President Josh Freed and Advisor for Policy and Content Jackie Toth. Follow along as we explore how public opinion, climate leaders and laggards, and COVID-19 are shaping the race to control the White House. 

Jump-Starting the EV market

The COVID-19 crisis has touched every part of our economy, including our burgeoning electric vehicle market. Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are projected to decline this year, even as China and the European Union double down on EVs and sustainable development goals. How can the companies and federal policymakers work together to support this critical industry, create jobs, and place us on the fastest, fairest path to net-zero emissions by 2050? 

That’s what we discuss with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12th) and electric vehicle startup Rivian’s James Chen on the sixth episode of the Political Climate “Path to Zero” podcast series, sponsored by Third Way. 

Listen: How to Jump-Start a Stalled Electric Vehicle Market