Tonight, as President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump take the debate stage, Moms will be tuning in to hear how each candidate responds to questions about our swiftly changing climate. The stakes could not be higher.
While there has been an unprecedented amount of climate action over the last three years, especially the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate action legislation in U.S. history—a critical question remains: Is this progress enough to counteract the considerable damage that has already been done?
Tell Congress: Commit to Climate Investments and Clean Air Progress
In advance of the debate, we asked Moms from North Carolina to New Mexico to share their expectations for the next president. Across the board, Moms want a president who prioritizes protecting kids, ensuring public health, and advancing strong climate goals.
Here are some specific questions Moms hope to hear answered in tonight’s debate.
1. Chelsea in North Carolina worries about the fossil fuels in her state:
“We’re seeing an increase in fracked gas infrastructure here in North Carolina. What are your plans to continue renewable energy initiatives that reduce the negative health effects of coal-fired and gas power plants on low-income communities?”
2. Elizabeth in Michigan is concerned that recent climate wins out of federal agencies aren’t enough to protect children:
“In the last three years, EPA has made significant strides in improving air quality standards. As a mother of a child with asthma, I appreciate these efforts, but challenges remain. Can you outline additional steps your administration would take to further enhance air quality and protect vulnerable populations, especially children? What specific enforcement mechanisms will you implement to ensure air pollution standards are uniformly applied across all states?”
3. Jayne in Wisconsin and Giovanna in New Mexico share concerns about environmental justice.
Jayne wants to know when communities overly burdened by climate impacts will get a seat at the decision-making table: “How long will it take to eliminate climate injustice, and what’s the number one thing you will do to bring the voices of those who are disproportionately affected by climate change to the table?”
Giovanna wants specific plans for bringing clean energy to these communities: “What long-term strategies will you promote to reduce overall air pollution levels while ensuring that efforts do not unfairly burden historically marginalized communities, both during the transition to cleaner technologies and in the ongoing implementation of these solutions?”
4. Shaina in Colorado wants more funding for conservation ranchers who work on improving the food economy and restoring natural lands and water sources:
“How will you collaborate with community leaders on the ground, including Tribal community members, who are actively working on climate change solutions as conservation ranchers?”
5. Tracy in Ohio would ask for each nominee’s track record on climate action:
“You have each served four years as President. Can you please list the steps you have taken to improve air and water quality for our children and families—through EPA rules, clean energy development, or other measures?”
Moms hope that climate issues receive the spotlight they deserve on the debate stage, with Biden and Trump both recognizing the urgent work that lies ahead. The inclusion of climate tonight would resonate far beyond this hotly anticipated event and could influence the direction of our country’s climate policy for years to come.
Tune into the presidential debate at 9 PM ET on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, or C-SPAN.
Tell Congress: Commit to Climate Investments and Clean Air Progress