For Immediate Release, February 18, 2020
Contacts: Kassie Siegel, (951) 961-7972, kassiesiegel@centeractionfund.org
Brett Hartl, (202) 774-7296, bretthartl@centeractionfund.org
  

Updated Climate Scorecard Puts Bloomberg Last

WASHINGTON— The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund released an update today of its presidential climate scorecard that highlights the shortcomings of the so-called “centrist” Democrats’ climate plans.

Billionaire Mike Bloomberg ties Sen. Amy Klobuchar for the lowest score — 1 out of 10 — and has the vaguest and weakest climate plans. In contrast, Sens. Sanders and Warren would use the full power of the presidency to address the climate crisis and therefore received the top scores.

Today’s scorecard assessed the climate plans of the six presidential candidates participating in the Democratic debate in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Feb.19.

“The stark differences between how the candidates would address the climate crisis shouldn’t be glossed over,” said Kassie Siegel, climate director at the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund. “Bloomberg’s climate plan contains almost no bold executive actions, firm targets to curb greenhouse pollution, or spending to confront the emergency. In contrast both Sanders and Warren would use the full power of the presidency and commit trillions to fight this greatest threat to our planet.”

The one area of complete agreement among the candidates: All would immediately end all new fossil fuel leasing on public lands if elected president.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg improved his score from 2 out of 10 to 4 out of 10 in the latest update because of new commitments on climate contained in his infrastructure plan released last month. Sanders, Warren and now Buttigieg would declare that the climate crisis represents a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act. That crucial step would unlock key presidential powers including the ability to halt all crude oil exports and redirect military spending to renewable energy deployment.

The scorecard evaluates whether candidates plan to take 10 key actions to address climate change, most of which can be accomplished by the president under existing law, without the need for new legislation. The actions include declaring a national climate emergency, banning fracking and phasing out fossil fuel production, and implementing a 100% renewable electricity system by 2030.

The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is a national nonprofit organization that advocates for legislation and legislators that will advance a progressive environmental agenda. The Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Center for Biological Diversity, but these organizations’ names are not interchangeable. This news release is from the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, not the Center for Biological Diversity.