West LA Times

The upcoming 2024 election brings several climate policy issues to the forefront. Questions arise about potential changes under different administrations, such as the possible elimination of the National Weather Service by Trump and how a Harris win might influence the Environmental Protection Agency amid an anti-regulatory Supreme Court. Additionally, the election could impact the United States' ability to compete with China in clean technology.

UCLA experts are available for interviews to provide insights on how these political outcomes could affect climate policies. The Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment at UCLA recently held a webinar discussing post-election projections. Participants included environmental law experts Julia Stein, Ann Carlson, and Alex Wang, alongside California State Senator Henry Stern. They explored scenarios concerning climate policy after November 5.

Concerns have been raised about proposals to dismantle the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which encompasses the National Weather Service (NWS). UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain will address these issues in an election Q&A session scheduled for Monday, October 28. Swain emphasizes that NWS is "one of the most cost-effective tax dollar expenditures in American government." He will also discuss risks related to Atlantic Ocean current collapse and other climate tipping points.

Republicans aim to repeal parts of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act, which focuses on climate change. UCLA law professor Kimberly Clausing notes that despite job growth from this act in conservative states, it may not garner Republican support, similar to reactions towards the Affordable Care Act. Clausing warns that an all-Republican control of Congress and the White House could lead to significant increases in CO2 emissions by 2040.

Megan Mullin, a UCLA political scientist specializing in environmental politics, highlights that infrastructure failures during climate disasters can drive resilience efforts across party lines. Her research indicates that Republican communities vulnerable to climate change might invest more in climate adaptation.