After Trump's win, U.S. Governors have pledged to continue climate action.

After Donald Trump's election this week, Democratic Governors of Two U.S. States pledged to continue building programs on renewable energies and curbing climate changes.

Why it's important

These comments are the first sign that Democratic Governors plan to continue their fight against climate change.

Trump, who is a Republican and a climate change advocate, said that he could repeal the subsidies for electric cars, which are a key provision in President Joe Biden’s signature climate legislation, The Inflation Reduction Act. The IRA includes billions in subsidies for renewable energy including wind, solar, and batteries. It's unclear if Trump will also target them.

KEY QUOTES

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee told reporters that "we will continue to grow our dynamic clean energy economy in the United States state by state, by county and by city."

Inslee was a founder member of the U.S. Climate Alliance is a coalition of bipartisan governors from 24 states and U.S. Territories, who represent 57% of U.S. economic output.

Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico, said that governors are responsible for reminding people around the globe and in the United States that they operate as "subnationals" regardless of the agenda of the White House. Her state is not only a major oil producer but also a large generator of solar, wind and geothermal energy.

By the Numbers

Washington voters defeated a bid to eliminate the state's Carbon Market, which raised over $2 billion since its launch in 2023 for programs such as innovative public transportation, protection against wildfires and salmon conservation.

Inslee stated, "This will serve as, I believe a further source of inspiration for the legislators, and governors, across the United States, to continue our efforts unabated to rein in climate emissions, and build our economies."

(source: Reuters)