Midterms Bring Renewable Energy Shift: Democrats Take House, Governors Pledge 100% Clean Energy
The 2018 U.S. Midterm elections brought significant changes in energy and climate policy, with the Democratic Party taking control of the House and several governors-elect pledging to transition their states to 100% renewable energy. Meanwhile, Big Oil & Co. spent heavily to influence ballot initiatives, and the number of women in the House has increased significantly.
Several newly elected governors, including Colorado's Jared Polis, New Mexico's Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Illinois' J.B. Pritzker, campaigned on ambitious renewable energy targets. Polis even vowed to make Colorado 100% renewable by 2040. This shift comes as the Democratic Party, who won the popular vote in five of the last six presidential elections, gain more influence in state legislatures.
The election also saw a record number of women, over 100, winning seats in the House. However, despite the Democratic Party winning more votes for Senatorial candidates, the Senate remains poised to become even more Republican. Seven incoming Democrats are scientists, which could further bolster climate change and energy-related policy discussions.
Four progressive energy and climate-centered ballot initiatives had mixed results. While Nevada voters approved one, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington voters rejected theirs. Big Oil & Co. spent hundreds of millions to influence these initiatives, with Protect Colorado spending roughly $38 million against Proposition 112 in Colorado.
The 2018 midterms have set the stage for increased focus on renewable energy and climate change policies. With the Democratic Party controlling the House and several governors-elect committed to clean energy targets, the next few years are likely to see significant legislative efforts in these areas. However, the balance of power in the Senate and the influence of industry spending on ballot initiatives may present challenges to these efforts.
