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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Grist or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, as her running mate following President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the race
• Walz, a progressive known for his coalition-building skills, brings significant state climate experience to the ticket
🔭 The context: Walz's tenure as governor saw ambitious climate actions, including a law mandating 100% clean electricity by 2040 in Minnesota
• He also signed bipartisan legislation to reform the clean energy permitting process, funded clean energy job training, approved clean transportation standards, and directed funds to replace lead water pipes
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Walz's climate leadership in Minnesota positions him as a valuable asset in continuing and expanding federal clean energy initiatives started by the Biden administration
• His experience could help in leveraging state-federal collaborations for effective climate action.
⏭️ What's next: As climate action increasingly shifts to the state level, Walz’s expertise will be crucial for Harris’s agenda
• His reputation and bipartisan approach might help navigate a potentially divided Congress to achieve climate goals
💬 One quote: “It’s not about banking political capital for the next election. It’s about burning political capital to improve lives,” said Tim Walz
📈 One stat: Walz has a 55% approval rating in his home state of Minnesota as of February
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