August 06, 2024
👋 Happy Tuesday! We're here for a quick look at Tim Walz, but we'll be back with you tomorrow, too.
1 big thing: Where Tim Walz stands on energy policy
Tim Walz could bolster Kamala Harris' climate record and shore up support from both the Midwest and the environmental left, Daniel and Nick write.
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.
✅ Thank you for reading Axios Pro Policy, and thanks to editors Chuck McCutcheon and David Nather.
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