From Ars Technica · · 2m
Democrats' statehouse sweep opens door to clean energy
Election victories give Democrats control of more state legislatures and governorships, clearing the way for climate and renewable energy policies.
In brief
Election victories give Democrats control of more state legislatures and governorships, clearing the way for climate and renewable energy policies. Democrats won statehouse races across multiple states, gaining control of legislatures and governorships that will allow them to pursue clean energy and climate policies…
Republicans lose state control advantage
Before Tuesday's election, Republicans held more governorships and state legislative seats than Democrats. That advantage has now disappeared, clearing the path for climate legislation.
Democrats flip five governor's offices
Democrats swept competitive races at the state level, flipping control of governors' offices from Republicans in Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, and Texas. Democrats now have a twenty nine to nineteen edge in governorships.
Democrats gain hundreds of legislative seats
The party is on track for a net gain of hundreds of legislative seats. Democrats had a net gain of more than three hundred fifty seats on Tuesday and are likely to add several hundred…
Democrats win five new trifectas
Democrats won five new trifectas in Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, with Arizona likely to be the sixth. This would give the party twenty two trifectas, with Republicans holding unified control in eighteen states.
Clean energy and affordability converge
Caroline Spears, executive director of Climate Cabinet, said this was the affordability election. Renewable energy is less expensive than fossil fuels and can be developed quickly, promising rapid benefits for consumers.
“In the states, we had a generational political window shift to make people's lives better, to lower costs, and to lower climate pollution at the same time.”
Utilities face new scrutiny and accountability
John Farrell of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance said there is growing sense that accountability measures are needed to rein in utility rates.The public is now wary of candidates viewed as puppets for large companies.
“There is this growing sense that more accountability measures are needed in order to rein in rates, and that utility companies are central to that problem.”
Newly elected lawmakers can act on energy
Newly elected lawmakers will enter office with energy policy proposals to address voter concerns. Electric transportation reduces greenhouse gas emissions and shields consumers from the volatility of gasoline and diesel prices.
In short
Democrats won statehouse races across multiple states, gaining control of legislatures and governorships that will allow them to pursue clean energy and climate policies.
