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🗞️ Driving the news: Environmental groups that were critical of President Joe Biden's climate policies are adopting a different approach with Vice President Kamala Harris as she campaigns for the presidency. These groups are withholding harsh criticism and detailed policy demands to avoid damaging her chances against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Green activists argue that defeating Trump, who opposes their climate agenda, is a higher priority than pressuring Harris for detailed commitments.

🔭 The context: Harris has gained strong support from environmental activists despite lacking specific climate policy plans, in part due to her perceived alignment with progressive environmental values. This support contrasts with the pressure Biden faced from the same groups to take aggressive action against fossil fuels. Environmental groups have held back on pressing Harris, even though she has reversed previous stances, such as her opposition to fracking.

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The strategic restraint by environmental groups illustrates their concern over a potential rollback of climate progress if Trump wins the presidency. Their approach highlights the political challenges of maintaining climate action momentum amidst changing leadership. This calculated support aims to ensure a continuation of policies favorable to combating climate change.

⏭️ What's next: While Harris has not outlined a detailed environmental platform yet, her campaign's ongoing dialogue with green groups suggests that more specific policies may emerge over time. Environmentalists plan to leverage their influence post-election to shape her climate agenda. The upcoming campaign focus will likely center on showcasing Harris’ commitment to climate and energy issues to galvanize voter support.

💬 One quote: “We don’t want to sabotage her campaign for no valid reason,” said Brett Hartl, chief political strategist with the Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund.

📈 One stat: During Biden's first year in office, environmental groups participated in over 650 protests across the United States, advocating for stronger climate action and targeting policies they viewed as insufficiently aggressive against fossil fuels.

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