Gabby Kientzle, gabby.kientzle@sierraclub.org
New York, NY – Tonight, Tim Walz and JD Vance faced off for the only scheduled vice presidential debate before the November election. Vance has dismissed established climate science, pushed for clawing back Inflation Reduction Act funds that benefit his own home state, and collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from corporate polluters.
The debate comes as communities in Appalachia and across the Southeast are facing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene, which has left at least 130 people dead, hundreds more missing, and millions without electricity, safe water, cell service, and other essentials.
When asked about the climate crisis that’s driving disasters like Hurricane Helene, Vance dodged questions about his unpopular climate denialism and suggested that expanding drilling in the United States would be a solution to the climate crisis.
Sierra Club National Political Director Sarah Burton released the following statement:
“JD Vance’s climate denialism is a slap in the face to the communities he claims to represent, who are currently dealing with the devastating impacts of climate-driven extreme weather. Vance has made it clear that his priority if elected would be to sell out communities by clawing back critical clean energy investments and dismantling public health and environmental protections to line the pockets of his corporate polluter benefactors. Once again, tonight’s debate presented a clear contrast between an ambitious vision for a clean energy future and a polluters-over-people agenda that would pave the way for even more destructive extreme weather events. The Sierra Club will continue to work hard in support of the Harris-Walz ticket to ensure that climate denier JD Vance is never allowed anywhere near the White House.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.