Walz speaks in March 2023. Photo: Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Tim Walz could bolster Kamala Harris' climate record and shore up support from both the Midwest and the environmental left.
Why it matters: Walz pursued climate legislation and regulations aggressively as governor of Minnesota, and his close relationships with the Hill could make him a dealmaker in a potential Harris administration.
Zoom in: One of Walz's major accomplishments as governor was a law signed last year that requires utilities to supply Minnesota customers with 100% carbon-free power by 2040.
- That's one of the nation's most ambitious "clean" energy standards.
- He followed it up with another law that aims to shorten the permitting process for transmission lines and wind and solar power plants.
- Walz has also supported lifting the state's moratorium on building nuclear plants.
Between the lines: Walz is part of a larger climate policy transformation in the Midwest that's frequently fueled clashes with Republicans.
- The 2040 power law also prompted strong opposition from North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — another notable name in the presidential campaign — as well as other Republicans.
- And Walz made Minnesota the first Midwestern state to adopt California's strict auto emissions rules, leading to more challenges from Republicans and auto dealers.
- Still, Walz "would be very comfortable talking about this and championing how he's reinvented or repositioned his state" on the presidential trail, said Barry Rabe, a University of Michigan professor who tracks climate and energy politics.
Walz was a bit more moderate on energy and climate as a member of the House.
- He earned a 75% score from the League of Conservation Voters — a relatively low rating for a Democrat — during his tenure from 2007 to 2019.
- But he did vote for cap-and-trade, something he was forced to defend.
- He pushed a bipartisan bill to expand offshore energy production and in 2009 called for a repeal of Minnesota's ban on nuclear power plants in the state.
What they're saying: Walz "has made Minnesota a national climate leader," said Manish Bapna, president and CEO of the NRDC Action Fund. "This is the winning ticket on climate."
- Other environmental groups issued similar statements this morning, praising his power sector climate law and efforts to bring IRA dollars to the state.
Our thought bubble: Walz' relationships on the Hill could be a huge asset for Harris if she wins with favorable splits in Congress and makes another go at climate legislation.
- Dems really like him, especially the party's progressive flank.
- But he also doesn't have a huge record with fossil fuels — unlike fellow VP contender Josh Shapiro — so he and Harris will have to reckon with the industry in Pennsylvania and elsewhere.
