Additional Coverage:
Climate change has become a starkly partisan issue in the US Congress. The Inflation Reduction Act, a major climate initiative, passed in 2022 with only Democratic support.
Voting records show that Democrats consistently back pro-environment legislation, while Republicans rarely do. Despite this, public opinion surveys reveal widespread concern about climate change.
A majority of Americans, including those in conservative areas, support measures such as renewable energy research and regulating carbon emissions. For instance, in Jack County, Texas, where Trump won by a wide margin, 58% favor carbon regulation.
The disconnect between public opinion and Congressional action suggests a significant gap in representation on climate change.