Washington, DC — The final presidential debate took place tonight in Nashville, Tennessee. With less than two weeks until voting finishes, candidates Donald Trump and Joe Biden took the stage to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, race, climate change, national security, and leadership. Due to pressure from our movement, debate moderators have asked presidential candidates questions about climate change and environmental justice for the first time in 20 years.

350 Action North America Director Tamara Toles O’Laughlin gave the following response: 

“It’s undeniable that climate is a top issue for voters. At tonight’s final debate, Joe Biden demonstrated the capacity for leadership our country needs and deserves, including tackling the climate crisis at scale. He doubled down on stopping fossil fuel subsidies, re-joining the Paris agreement, and creating millions of good, green jobs. We are committed to holding a Biden administration accountable to stop fracking and protect our communities. Black, Indigenous, and communities of color continue to bear the brunt of Donald Trump and his fossil fuel lies. It’s time for a just transition for workers across the industry. The planet can’t take four more years of Trump’s deadly mismanagement and plain incompetence. 

“Trump’s latest performance demonstrated that he is terrified of losing. His panic was a steady drum beat of disinformation, white supremacist signaling, and pivoting from his pitiful record. His desperate tactics won’t work on voters. In our homes and backyards, in the streets and virtually, we’re getting out the polls to vote, and won’t stop until sure that every vote is counted.”

Nearly 30 million early voters have cast their ballots for this election — staggering compared to the 6 million at this point in 2016. 350 Action endorsed the Biden/Harris ticket last month, and is committed to holding a Biden administration accountable to stop fracking, support a Green New Deal, and hold fossil fuel companies accountable for the climate crisis. 

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350 Action is throwing its weight behind efforts to get out the vote. If you’d like to learn more about these efforts, click here: https://350action.org/get-out-the-vote-2020/