How Democrats used the midterms to turn affordability concerns into ‘green populism’
Summary
The article says Democratic candidates who connected affordability concerns with energy costs, climate issues and data-center growth performed well in the midterms. With control of Congress, Democrats could investigate energy companies, influence budget and appointments, and shape permitting legislation, though the article notes a permitting bill could come to a Senate vote before newly elected members take office.Key Facts
- The Climate and Community Institute found that candidates most aligned with green economic populism won 39 of 56 House and Senate races in which they ran.
- Those candidates won six of seven Senate races and 33 of 49 House races, according to the institute.
- The institute said successful candidates linked the cost of living to climate concerns and criticized utilities, oil companies, corporate landlords and data-center developers.
- Environmental advocate Bill McKibben said energy prices, the Iran war and data centers helped draw voters across party lines.
- The article says Democrats can use congressional investigations and subpoenas to scrutinize oil companies’ profits during the Iran war.
- Democrats’ control of the Senate gives them leverage over federal judicial, Cabinet and other appointments.
- Democrats could seek to add climate provisions to budget legislation and restore funding for NOAA and other climate-science agencies.
- The article says the Senate could vote on a permitting reform bill on November 9, before newly elected members take office in January.
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