Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke was the ninth candidate of ten to appear at CNN’s epic seven-hour presidential town hall on the climate crisis. It was Don Lemon’s turn to moderate, and the near-standard question was out immediately: what’s your first step to address the climate crisis?
O’Rourke’s $5 trillion plan over ten years would focus on a transition to clean energy, guaranteeing net-zero emissions by 2050, with a sharp focus on environmental justice for marginalized communities.
Next, a student from New York University pushed O’Rourke for clarification on his plan to price carbon; he said he favored cap-and-trade. When asked for clarification by Lemon, O’Rourke said he doesn’t support a carbon tax.
Next, a teacher and mother brought up the cost of going green, citing the expense of installing solar panels, and asked how he’d help the consumer. O’Rourke promised the money from his cap and trade policy would trickle down to the consumer, directly, briefly touching on investments in green new housing.
Noting that we only get one chance to do this right, O’Rourke spoke of his children, and how he fears failing them more than anything.
Next up, a human rights lawyer who said the climate crisis changed his career path entirely, after growing up in a GOP family. He asked how O’Rourke would renew Americans’, and Texans’ in particular, desire to protect nature. O’Rourke noted how he campaigned for Senator in 2018, and insisted it can be done through candid conversations.
Next, Lemon brought up Donald Trump’s lightbulb nonsense and asked if he’d reinstate all of the Obama-era regulations. O’Rourke vowed to bring them back and go much further.
Next, a Brazilian native and Sunrise Movement member brought up the Amazon rainforest fire, and the incentives that American industries provide for de-forestation. O’Rourke thanked her for the Sunrise Movement’s work in getting this town hall to reality before blasting Trump’s trade policies with China and their impact on the Amazon. Next, he focused on Trump’s wasting of opportunities at the G7, which could have led to greater leverage in trade and in the environmental crisis.
Next, Peggy Shepard, a leader in the fight for environmental justice for people of color, brought up energy insecurity—not being able to afford heat when it’s cold, or air conditioning when it’s hot—which disproportionately is faced by people of color. O’Rourke said this was a personal issue, since his native El Paso is the second-hottest city in the country. After a story about his son worrying about where they’ll live if he wins, O’Rourke simply said investments would be made and moved on.
Next, a Puerto Rican survivor of Hurricane Maria touched on the horrors endured by an island after their nation abandoned them, before asking how O’Rourke will ensure timely, fair assistance reaches victims of natural disasters. O’Rourke promised to fund both relief funds and investments to mitigate damage from future disasters. Finally, he promised to support Puerto Rico in whatever path they choose with regards to the issue of statehood.
Lemon brought up Hurricane Harvey and its devastation of Texas, in a new version of the “retreat” question, asking if it’s just too risky to live in certain parts of Texas. O’Rourke said we should “rebuild where we can and leave where we must.” Upon clarification from Lemon, O’Rourke danced around the mandatory move question, saying that some people want to move but can’t, and those people should be helped.
A self-described Warren survivor next asked what O’Rourke’s strategy will be to handle climate change-driven migration. Citing Bahamian officials’ desire to give visa waivers to those displaced by Hurricane Dorian in recent days (without mentioning they’ve asked for it), O’Rourke vowed to allow climate asylum, saying it’s the right thing to do. When pushed for clarification by Lemon, O’Rourke did agree with Julián Castro’s assertion of creating a “Climate Refugee” category for asylum applications.
Bill Weir, CNN’s Chief Climate Correspondent, pointed out the natural cost of raising cattle, and asked if the “cheeseburger” question, though this time it was steak. Again, O’Rourke leaned on the market to set prices that will shift consumption patterns.
Next, a Cornell Ph. D. student challenged O’Rourke’s knowledge of the climate crisis beyond talking points, asking if he has a climate scientist on staff. O’Rourke asserted that he did listen to scientists, and that they will lead his work to combat this crisis.
Via video, a small business owner asked how he addresses people who feel threatened by the fight against climate change, and convince them that their way of life won’t be destroyed. O’Rourke said that it’s key to visit these people, who are just as worried about this crisis as those outside those fields. Saying he’s done this in recent months, O’Rourke says they seek reassurance that their future training is coming, their pensions are protected, as well as their healthcare.
Lemon asked if O’Rourke would ban offshore drilling. O’Rourke said he would, without question, citing the damage that Texas beaches have faced as a result of it. He also vowed to ban drilling on protected lands.
Last, Lemon asked the “biggest sacrifice” question. O’Rourke echoed previous candidates and brought up the mobilization and unity of the Greatest Generation, and his desire to be the president who helps Americans do that.
That was it for the former congressman, leaving just one candidate to go, New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker!
***
Read more about each candidate’s Climate Change town hall through the links below.
Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro
Businessman Andrew Yang
California Sen. Kamala Harris
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Former Vice President Joe Biden
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren
South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker