White House hopeful John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperGun control group rolls out first round of Senate endorsements The Hill’s Campaign Report: Republicans go on attack over calls to ‘defund the police’ Hickenlooper ethics questions open him up to attack MORE released his plan to tackle the climate crisis on Thursday, joining a growing list of Democratic candidates to have done so.
The former Colorado governor’s climate platform emphasizes global leadership, market-based solutions and increased investment in green tech and jobs.
It explicitly rejects frameworks like the Green New Deal, which many other candidates support, that call for job guarantees and other changes to the U.S. economy.
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“These plans, while well-intentioned, could mean huge costs for American taxpayers, and might trigger a backlash that dooms the fight against climate change,” the plan reads.
That break from the field is consistent with Hickenlooper’s rejection of what he calls socialism and attempts to appeal to more moderate voices in the Democratic Party.
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If elected, he would have the U.S. rejoin the Paris climate agreement, the worldwide effort to contain global temperature increases that President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE exited.
His plan notes that the original Paris goals are “not enough,” promising to commit $100 billion each year in climate financing to developing nations and condition some aid and foreign assistance on climate change efforts.
Hickenlooper joins South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegScaled-back Pride Month poses challenges for fundraising, outreach Biden hopes to pick VP by Aug. 1 It’s as if a Trump operative infiltrated the Democratic primary process MORE (D) and former Rep. John DelaneyJohn DelaneyThe Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says country needs to rethink what ‘policing’ means; US cases surpass 2 million with no end to pandemic in sight Minnesota AG Keith Ellison says racism is a bigger problem than police behavior; 21 states see uptick in cases amid efforts to reopen The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan says there will be consequences from fraying US-China relations; WHO walks back claims on asymptomatic spread of virus MORE (D-Md.) in calling for a carbon tax to “unleash market forces to help solve the emissions challenge.”
While other Democrats have championed the idea of pricing carbon emissions, the concept has seen mixed acceptance in states and neighboring countries like Canada.
The plan also calls for $200 billion in investments in transportation and renewable energy sources, plus $150 billion to upgrade the electrical grid.
It would increase research and development into renewables and carbon capture technology as well.
Hickenlooper would also launch a “Climate Corps Program” to incentivize people to pursue careers in green tech.
He is the sixth Democratic presidential candidate to release a comprehensive climate action plan, following Delaney, former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, Washington Gov. Jay InsleeJay Robert InsleeInslee calls on Trump to ‘stay out of Washington state’s business’ Seattle mayor responds to Trump: ‘Go back to your bunker’ Trump warns he will take back Seattle from ‘ugly Anarchists’ if local leaders don’t act MORE, Colorado Sen. Michael BennetMichael Farrand BennetSome realistic solutions for income inequality Democratic senators kneel during moment of silence for George Floyd 21 senators urge Pentagon against military use to curb nationwide protests MORE and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas).
Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) and Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.) have both introduced policy plans that touch on curbing carbon emissions.