350 Action on NH Primary: Young Voters are Making Climate A Priority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 9, 2016

Contact: Lindsay Meiman, (347) 460-9082

Manchester, NH — As primary season continues, the climate movement is continuing to shape the Presidential race, pushing candidates to adopt more ambitious positions or putting them under pressure for their climate denial.

“Climate continues to help define the contours of this race,” said Yong Jung Cho, Campaign Coordinator with 350 Action. “So far, Sanders has used it to distinguish himself from Clinton, pushing her to take more progressive stances like supporting a moratorium on fossil fuel development on public lands. With a long fight ahead, we look forward to both candidates adopting more progressive climate justice platforms. Their willingness to stand up to the fossil fuel industry remains a litmus test for many voters, young people in particular.”

As for the Republican field, the continued dominance of climate deniers like Ted Cruz and Donald Trump should have the GOP worried approaching the general election.

“Overwhelming majorities of Americans support climate action,” said Cho. “An all-out climate denier is going to have a near impossible time winning the White House. People are ready to break free from fossil fuels and transition towards a just, clean energy future.”

350 Action and their allies have continued to be effective in moving Democrats to adopt more progressive climate policies and putting Republicans under pressure for their climate denial. In New Hampshire, questions from 350 Action organizers got Hillary Clinton on the record supporting a moratorium on fossil fuel development on public lands, a top priority for climate activists.

As the race continues, 350 Action will be looking for both candidates to expand their environmental justice platforms.

“The divestment movement is asking our leaders to choose a side: will you protect my generation and our nation’s most vulnerable communities, or will you side with an industry that’s wrecking our planet and perpetuating environmental racism?” said Kelsey Lozier, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire and fossil fuel divestment campaigner. “When I vote on Tuesday morning, I’ll be thinking about what candidate is fighting hardest for climate justice.”

Over the coming months, 350 Action will continue to expand its campaign to push presidential candidates to take bold action on climate change by pledging to keep fossil fuels in the ground and support a just transition to a 100% renewable energy future.

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