CLIMATE CHANGE
HOUSE RACES
House District 1
Leslie C. Mehta (Democrat)
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Making sure we leave behind a safe and inhabitable earth for future generations.
Robert J. Wittman (Republican)
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Emphasize a commitment to safeguarding the environment, focusing on the preservation of waters, parks, and forests for future generations.
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Promote strategies to address climate change while fostering economic growth, advocating for clean energy sources like nuclear, hydropower, wind, and solar power to ensure energy independence.
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Discussed the importance of the Chesapeake Bay for regional health and economy, and outlined efforts to conserve natural resources through leadership roles in relevant caucuses and support for funding and cleanup initiatives.
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Reaffirm dedication to the conservation of public lands, wetlands, and natural resources, emphasizing responsible stewardship and legislative efforts to protect these vital areas.
House District 2
Missy Cotter Smasal (Democrat)
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Stress the importance of protecting homes and businesses in Virginia Beach from climate change and rising sea levels, highlighting the broader impact on the economy, schools, transportation, and national security.
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Call for immediate action to address climate challenges, criticizing partisan politics in Washington that hinder effective solutions for Virginians.
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Share experiences as the Virginia Citizen Rep on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, showcasing the success of bipartisan efforts in delivering results for the health of the Bay and its watershed.
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Advocate for science-based initiatives to combat coastal flooding, support farmers with sustainable practices, create jobs, and lower energy costs through clean energy production, enhancing community resilience against climate change.
Jen Kiggans (Republican)
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Obtained $5 million grant for restoration of Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail to rebuild degraded watershed and shoreline
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Announced and passed Oyster Reef Protection Act of 2024 to rebuild VA coastlines
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Wrote and passed MVP Bill, which aims to improve veteran mental health by increasing their access to outdoor recreation activities in National Parks and on federal lands
Robert E. Reid Jr. (Independent)
Specific information not found.
House District 3
Robert “Bobby” C. Scott (Democrat)
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Congressman Scott acknowledges that human activity has contributed to climate change and consistently advocates for efforts to mitigate global warming.
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He has co-sponsored legislation promoting investment in renewable energy and is a supporter of the Green New Deal to advance climate action.
House District 4
Jennifer McClellan (Democrat)
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As a mother, Jenn is dedicated to addressing climate change to ensure a habitable planet for her children and future generations, viewing it as an environmental, economic, health, and racial justice issue.
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Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change and pollution on Black and Brown communities, Jenn advocates for inclusive plans that prioritize environmental justice in climate action.
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In Congress, Jenn aims to enhance Virginia’s environmental initiatives by leveraging historic climate investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and ensuring federal funding prioritizes environmental justice and supports the Virginia Clean Economy Act.
William “Bill” Moher III (Republican)
Specific information not found.
House District 5
Gloria Tinsley Witt (D)
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Support climate friendly economic growth
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carbon-free energy solutions.
House District 6
Ken Mitchell (Democrat)
Does not have specific stance on climate change
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Believes that VA is not facing the brunt of the impact but will later become a “climate change. destination”.
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Wants to prepare for it climate change and will do so by expanding the housing market, water sources, food supplies, and schools.
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Plans on building a strong agricultural space by expanding the hemp industry after removing federal hemp barriers.
Ben Cline (Republican)
Concerned about the state of the agriculture industry
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Believes that a healthy environment is critical to the agriculture community and that regulatory policy should prioritize stewardship and conservation efforts.
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Believes that farmers and producer feedback must be prioritized in creating policies to reach real results.
Robert “Robby” Wells Jr. (Independent)
Specific information not found.
House District 7
Eugene Vindman (Democrat)
Aims to be carbon-neutral by any means necessary
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Believes in climate change and that it poses an imminent threat to our world, country, and particularly Virginia.
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Plans on working to “curb” greenhouse gas emissions by investing in public transportation, “increasing standards”, and expanding renewable energy roles.
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Believes that despite technological breakthroughs, the government lacks funding to actually implement these advancements.
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Plans to fight for the goal to be carbon-neutral.
Derrick Anderson (Republican)
Believes in using all types of energy and its production
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Understands that climate change is an issue but wants to prioritize domestic oil and gas production to monitor clean energy output.
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Supports an all-of-the-above energy approach until it becomes feasible to transition to wind, solar and nuclear energy.
House District 8
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Donald Beyer Jr. (Democrat)
Prioritizes the earth over the economy
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Believes in stopping the consequences of climate change and opposes “pumping pollutants” into the air regardless of the economic cost.
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Co-authored and passed the Inflation Reduction act of 2022, helping make provisions to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030.
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The Vice Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, whose main mission is to develop and advance policies regarding clean energy transition, conservation and environmental justice.
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Serves as the Co-Chair of the State Climate Caucus, Co-Chair of the Endangered Species Act Caucus and a member of the New Democrat Coalition’s Climate Task Force.
Jerry Torres (Republican)
Supports changing to clean energy initiatives
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Plans on creating and leading energy programs that will help create and expand realistic clean energy infrastructures.
Bentley Hensel (Independent)
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Bentley has shown interest in climate committees in hopes to make impactful change.
House District 9
Karen Baker (Democrat)
Promotes federal climate investments and resilience
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Thinks the U.S. needs an “all of the above” energy policy using fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and clean energy.
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Wants each individual to have the power to ethically choose.
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican)
Believes in safeguarding the climate
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Supports an “all of the above” energy strategy and believes that America must take advantage of the country’s natural resources.
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Supports common sense policies that safeguard clean air and water.
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Supports coal use and production.
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Belongs to the Conservative Climate Caucus
House District 10
Suhas Subramanyam (Democrat)
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Subramanyam believes that we are facing a climate emergency and does not want to leave his daughter with a world that is less habitable. As a Senator and Delegate, Subramanyam had an agenda that promoted the environment and conservation while creating jobs for small businesses.
Mike Clancy (Republican)
Opposes green subsidy programs in the name of the economy
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If in office, Would opt to cut green subsidy programs to better attack inflation.
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Would rely on private industry to help the environment in an integrative energy approach.
House District 11
Gerald Edward Connolly (Democrat)
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Refers to himself as an “environmental champion”
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Founded a clean energy caucus in Congress.
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Voted for the largest clean energy investment in history.
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One of two VA Democrats that opposed the approval of the Mountain Valley Pipeline.
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Endorsed by the Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters
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Hopes if reelected to pass the Green New Deal into law.
Michael Van Meter (Republican)
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Backs climate change initiatives
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Supports the reasonable research and development of clean energy systems.
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Believes that consumers in a free market system should be encouraged to take part in purchasing energy.