One word: Exxon.
Shortly after Kamala Harris announced she was running to replace retiring Barbara Boxer as California’s next senator, she piled up tons of endorsements from California’s political establishment. For climate hawks, the big question was: would she be fierce enough to take on the climate crisis? As California’s attorney general, she’s vowed to defend President Obama’s Clean Power Plan in the courts. But at Climate Hawks Vote, we endorse only those leaders who will go on offense.
So I wrote a resolution, passed by Ventura and Los Angeles counties, asking her to investigate Exxon...and a week later, the LA Times reported that yes, the Attorney General is proceeding to investigate Exxon. That answered the question of whether to endorse with a strong ‘yes!’
As Attorney General, Harris has compiled a strong record opposing expansion of dirty fuel in California neighborhoods. She’s opposed Chevron’s plan to expand an oil refinery in Richmond, already one of the most polluted areas of California; Valero’s plan to ship crude by rail to Benicia; and the WesPac tar sands project in Pittsburg. She’s also sided with public transit and against freeway widening/gridlock in the closely watched San Diego County regional transportation plan. Earlier this month she filed a lawsuit against Southern California Gas Co. for causing the massive Porter Ranch gas leak. However, her decision to investigate Exxon is critical to Climate Hawks Vote and its mission of supporting only climate champions.
Tomorrow, the California Democratic Party considers whether to endorse Harris or her opponent. If you’re a delegate at the convention this weekend, vote Saturday afternoon for climate hawk Kamala Harris. It’ll make my 92 year old mom very happy.
And as for what will happen with the investigation of Exxon and its ilk… stay tuned.
Can you chip in to send Kamala to the Senate?
