How Our Vote Impacts the Environment
There have been over 125 environmental regulatory rollbacks under the current administration. From the Endangered Species Act to the Alaska Roadless Rule, this accelerated pattern of deregulation has greatly weakened protections for human health and the environment in the U.S. Elected officials have a lot of power in deciding how environmental issues are addressed or worsened. Who we vote for in this upcoming election will determine the future of our environment far beyond their time in office.
This administration has increased pollution, destroyed indigenous lands, and endangered wildlife by weakening or wiping out existing protections. It can be discouraging to see all the destruction that is happening, but there are also many incredible initiatives for climate action happening at the local, tribal, and state levels.
In my home state of Indiana, a state that generates most of its energy from coal, there are are over a dozen local governments that are implementing or planning to implement sustainability action plans. City Council members in Portland, Maine enacted a plan to reduce single-use plastic distribution, ban plastic bags, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050. California continues to lead the way by strengthening fuel economy standards, creating green jobs, and so much more.
Our next President will decide how the Environmental Protection Agency, National Park Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and other legislative industries address environmental issues. The national agenda they set will decide whether or not climate change is a priority.
Our state representatives will decide how state environmental agencies are funded. They will pass legislation that could greatly impact the natural areas and health of citizens in their state. And on an even more personal level, local officials will make decisions that may directly affect our everyday lives.
The representatives we elect will be in charge of deciding what the future of our environment looks like. Voting is not the only way we can influence political processes, but it is one of the most impactful and critical ones we have.
I recognize that none of us lead single issue lives so the candidates we vote for may not be determined solely by their stance on environmental issues. But as the environment and climate change touch every single aspect of our lives, it is important to recognize how critical it is to have elected officials who prioritize these issues.
For more information on the candidates on your ballot, you can use unofficial online guides such as Vote411 and Ballotpedia. Looking directly at the websites of candidates can help you determine their policy priorities. You can also go to your state or local election office website to find your nearest polling location, check your voter registration, and find additional resources.