Washington, DC — Today 350 Action endorsed U.S. Congressional candidate Deb Haaland (NM-1) and Maryland Gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous. Both Haaland and Jealous responded to a questionnaire from 350 Action focused on the candidates’ positions on stopping new fossil fuel projects and supporting a just and equitable transition to 100% renewable energy. See their full questionnaire answers below.

“If we want more elected officials who are ready to tackle the climate crisis next year, we need more candidates on the ballot this year who aren’t afraid of bold climate action,” said 350 Action executive director May Boeve. “Deb Haaland and Ben Jealous are committed to protecting communities around the world facing greater risk everyday as the planet warms. They’re already helping to build the fossil-free future we know is possible.”

Haaland and Jealous have both pledged to refuse money from the fossil fuel industry for their campaigns. In New Mexico, Haaland is running a historic campaign to be the first Native American woman in Congress, and has centered Indigenous rights and a commitment to address the climate crisis in her campaign. She has worked against fracking in her ancestral homeland of Chaco Canyon, and joined water protectors at Standing Rock to resist the Dakota Access pipeline. As chair of New Mexico’s Democratic party, Haaland led a movement to divest the party’s funds from Wells Fargo, a top financer of Dakota Access. In her questionnaire, Haaland said, “As a Native American woman, I will lead and join all efforts to keep fossil fuels in the ground. I will also bring my unique voice to the frontlines of rallies, marches, and actions. I will put my name on bills that chart a visionary path forward on climate and clean energy, and innovative paths forward to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable for their reckless damage.”

Jealous was among the first national figures to speak out against the Dakota Access pipeline and sat-in with water protectors and activists from Standing Rock at Army Corps headquarters in Washington, DC. As the youngest CEO of the NAACP, launching a climate justice program was one among his first major initiatives. He has also been a leading voice against mass incarceration, police brutality, and voter suppression. In his questionnaire, Jealous said, “As governor, I will be opposed to any and all new fossil fuel infrastructure.”

“These aren’t just people who will vote the right way,” said 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben. “Ben and Deb will help lead this nation to deal with our greatest single challenge. Their dedication to real climate action is more of what the world needs now.”

This year, 350 Action will be endorsing candidates up and down the ballot who are willing to fight for a fossil free world. Specifically, this means candidates who support a rapid, just transition to 100% renewable energy and oppose any new climate-wrecking fossil fuel projects. Beyond endorsements, 350 Action will be mobilizing voters across the country to elect champions for real climate action and holding progressive candidates accountable for doing their part to address the global climate crisis.

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Deb Haaland’s questionnaire answers

Ben Jealous’ questionnaire answers

Press Contact: Dani Heffernan, 350 Action, [email protected], +1 (305) 992-1544