Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. This year, the 2020 elections will have widespread consequences on our ability to fight climate change and make sure we leave a better planet for future generations.
Limiting global temperature increases, cutting down emissions, and creating an economy that relies on renewable energy instead of fossil fuels are all actions that depend on politicians. The Presidential race will garner the most attention, but while that is important the people that represent the Central New York (CNY) area have more of an impact on how our communities fight climate change.
Here at CCAA, we sent out a survey to all the candidates on the ballot for the CNY area to find out where they stand on various environmental issues. You can see the results for yourself on our website or follow along for a breakdown of the key takeaways from each candidate.
24th Congressional District John Katko (R) vs Dana Balter (D)
The big battle on the CNY ballot after the Presidential race is between incumbent John Katko, who is seeking a fourth term in office, and Dana Balter, who is running again after losing in 2018.
John Katko
Katko has yet to reply to the CCAA survey. However, he does have the endorsement of a conservative clean energy group called the Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions. In the past, Katko has co-sponsored a resolution in the House of Representatives that acknowledged humans’ role in climate change. However, that doesn’t paint the full picture as Katko often votes against environmental legislation.
During his time in office, Katko has voted on 172 pieces of climate-related legislation, but only voted pro-environment 53 times. The Congressman frequently votes against environmental bills instead of for them and overall only supports environmental protection about 20% of the time. Katko tends to portray himself as bipartisan, but his record does not show support for a bipartisan issue like climate change.
Likewise, Katko has Energy and Environment listed as one of his issues on his website, but again that fails to tell the whole story. While he says he supports investment in clean energy—his record states otherwise—Katko also says that he would like to increase fossil fuel production in an environmentally friendly way.
The Congressman has also fallen into party lines as Katko endorsed President Trump in the 2020 election after calling for Trump to drop out back in 2016. Trump notoriously calls climate change a “hoax” and has pulled back on environmental regulations many times during his tenure.
Dana Balter
Balter responded to the survey and listed the environment as an additional priority on her website, but in the survey stated that addressing climate change would be a “top priority” if she was to be elected. Specifically, Balter supports a carbon tax as a bipartisan way to encourage investment in renewable energy and end the reliance on fossil fuels. With the money raised by the carbon fee, Balter said that she would like to invest in green technology and infrastructure.
For investments, Balter would like to replace the old water systems so that our drinking water is clean, and she would like to modernize the grid so that the switch to renewable energy is easier.
As this district’s national representative, Balter would champion many of the same initiatives New York State already has in place. Balter would support a nationwide ban on fracking and would enact national legislation that closely follows New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). She also supports rejoining the Paris Climate Accords, making electric vehicles more affordable, and has many of the same goals as Joe Biden.
“I support Joe Biden’s plan to build a 100% clean energy economy, achieve environmental justice, advance sustainable agriculture, and invest in modern infrastructure, public transportation, and energy-efficient buildings,” Balter said. “As a member of Congress, I would work closely with the Biden-Harris administration to see these goals come to fruition.”
District 50 NYS Senate John Mannion (D) and Angi Renna (R)
John Mannion and Angi Renna are going head to head to fill the vacancy left by Bob Antonacci (R), who left the position last December to join the New York Supreme Court. Mannion last ran in 2018 where he lost by a small margin to Antonacci.
John Mannion
In his survey response, Mannion acknowledged that the burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of climate change and supports transitioning to alternative energy sources. Like Balter, he supports a carbon tax and would use those funds to make green energy sources more affordable and competitive in the short term.
Although climate change isn’t listed under issues on Mannion’s website—he has briefly mentioned protecting drinking water before—Mannion did respond positively to many of the questions in CCAA’s survey. He supports rejoining the Paris Accords, a ban on fracking, and stated that any project receiving tax dollars needs to have clean energy practices built into it. Mannion also owns an electric vehicle and supports expanding state incentives for electric vehicles.
In a rare act, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh endorsed Mannion. It’s only the third time Walsh has shown his support for a candidate in a local election. If elected, Mannion plans to address climate change during his time in office.
“I would continue to support initiatives included in the new clean energy law, look for ways to expand it, and place pressure on our federal representatives,” Mannion said.
Angi Renna
Renna has yet to respond to the CCAA survey. On her website, Renna makes no mention of climate change as one of her issues. None of Renna’s endorsements come from climate groups either.
Much of her platform is centered around small businesses and helping law enforcement as most of her endorsements come from law enforcement groups.
District 53 NYS Senate Rachel May (D) and Sam Rodgers (R)
Sam Rodgers is challenging Rachel May in the District 53 state senate race, which covers most of the city of Syracuse. May is seeking a second term after being elected back in 2018.
Rachel May
A real ally in the fight against climate change, May replied to the CCAA survey and pledged to continue action on climate change. Like Balter and Mannion, May supports a carbon tax and plans to reinvest the funds back into our communities.
“Start with climate justice – efficiency, green energy, and job efforts targeted at the communities most affected by climate change, and job training and transitional support for workers displaced by the shift away from fossil fuels,” May said. “Fund carbon sinks like forestation and carbon farming efforts. Fund transportation alternatives like bus rapid transit and high-speed rail.”
Climate change is one of the top issues on her website and is something May has worked on during her time in office. May currently serves on the Environmental Conservation Committee and co-sponsored the CLCPA.
May has advocated for climate action in the past. In the survey, May said she supports rejoining the Paris Accords, suggests a buyback program for energy-inefficient vehicles, and supports a ban on fracking. On her website, May supports investment in solar energy, waste reduction, and protecting the jobs of workers affected by a switch to renewables.
Overall, May has shown strong support for climate action and advocated for more funding for initiatives like the CLCPA.
Sam Rodgers
Rodgers has yet to respond to CCAA’s survey. The former Syracuse University long snapper is seeking to begin his career in politics.
On his website, there is no emphasis on climate action, except for a brief mention of how supporting local agriculture can help move the region toward a greener economy. Rodgers has no endorsements from climate groups either.
Rodger’s platform is centered around the economy, agriculture, and education rather than climate change.
Democratic incumbent Al Stirpe seeks reelection in his race against Mark Venesky. Stirpe has been in office since 2013.
Al Stirpe
Stirpe replied to CCAA’s survey and said he absolutely believes that the burning of fossil fuels is the primary cause of the climate crisis. He identified significant flooding and high lake levels as ways the climate crisis is already affecting CNY.
Like his democratic party mates, Stirpe said he supports “financial incentives, including punitive fines and targeted taxes” on carbon. Stirpe wants to use the funds raised from a carbon tax to fight the effects of climate change here in CNY and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
While in office, Stirpe voted to pass the CLCPA and pledged to support more funding for the law. Stirpe supports the use of nuclear power for the time being as we make the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. He also would like to invest in the area’s infrastructure and create incentives for people to switch to electric cars. The Sierra Club and the New York League of Conservation Voters have endorsed Stirpe.
“I work on many issues that have what seems to be a more immediate impact on my district, like good-paying jobs and small business issues,” Stirpe said. “But none are as important for the future of the region and the world as climate change.”
Mark Venesky
Venesky has not yet replied to CCAA’s survey. There is also no mention of climate change on his website. Instead, Venesky plans to run on a platform of agriculture, economic development, public safety, and government reform among other issues.
Previously, Venesky served on the Cicero town board and as the Cicero supervisor.
Conclusion
CCAA believes that protecting our environment must be a priority for every elected official as climate change impacts our lives and future generations. CCAA’s survey was sent out multiple times starting in late July. Notably, none of the Republican candidates responded to the survey, whereas every Democratic candidate did. Follow-up attempts led to no responses from the Republican candidates. Apart from Katko, the other three Republican candidates have no significant mentions or specific ideas relating to climate change on their platforms, and in Katko’s time in Congress, the environment evidently hasn’t been a priority.
Climate change should not be a partisan issue. The crisis affects everyone regardless of political beliefs, but it is evident that the Democratic Party understands and is committed to fighting climate change, while it is not yet a central issue for the Republicans on the ballot.
When you cast your ballot this year, vote for candidates that make climate action a priority, and after the election keep up the pressure and encourage your leaders to make good on their word to fight climate change. Only by holding our leaders accountable will we be able to combat the climate crisis and create a safer and cleaner planet for ourselves and future generations.
ABOUT CCAA
Climate Change Awareness & Action (CCAA) was formed for the purpose of educating others and actively working towards reversing the anthropogenic climate disruption that threatens the earth.
It is imperative that we increase awareness and spur action on climate change:
to support fair and just public policies and legislation
to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
to support regenerative agriculture and conservation
CCAA seeks to create a community of people working together in CNY to bring about the changes we need to avoid an environmental crisis.
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
Editor: Yvonne Chu, Annalena Davis, and Gavin Landless Publisher: Gaurav Shetty Chair: Peter Wirth
UPCOMING EVENTS
CCAA holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month. If you’d like to learn more feel free to email cc.awareness.action@gmail.com.
For an even more comprehensive list of events pertaining to sustainability and climate change, contact Diane Brandli with GreeningUSA to subscribe to the GreeningUSA listserve or to publicize an event you are organizing. dbdesigninteriors@verizon.net
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you are interested in working on the issue of climate change, please contact us at cc.awareness.action@gmail.com or call at 315-308-0846. Don’t worry about your skill level. We are all learning. We need people who can:
