What role does Indiana play in combating climate change? Gubernatorial candidates share their thoughts

Candidates for Indiana’s next governor have differing opinions on how the state should combat climate change in the future.

The Republican nominee, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.), has earned a reputation as one of the few Republicans in the Senate committed to climate solutions. Four years ago, he co-founded the bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus with U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.).

Braun was able to pass the Growing Climate Solutions Act, which pays farmers and foresters who use sustainable practices on their land through carbon offsets.

“If we as Republicans are not at the table in the discussion, we will be left with policies on the menu that we don’t like and that we always defend against and then want the courts to overturn,” Braun said.

Braun said he believes passing climate legislation will be even easier with familiar faces in the Indiana Statehouse. However, when asked how he would promote climate protection outside of the legislature, he did not have an answer.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick said she wants Indiana to become part of the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of governors who want to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“I think it’s good to show partnership, to make resources accessible and to make sure that we are really good partners with the people around us – especially around the world. “We also do not have a water management plan that impacts current developments – particularly in the LEAP district,” she said.

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The proposed LEAP industrial center in Lebanon wants to pump water from Tippecanoe County, which has sparked controversy there.

McCormick also mentioned the need to educate farmers about practices like no-till and create government incentives for renewable energy.

Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater said Indiana needs better environmental laws and enforcement that isn’t influenced by industry lobbyists.

“As a libertarian, I believe in property rights and believe that pollution violates property rights,” Rainwater said.

Rainwater said large companies that pollute citizens’ property would have to pay for both cleanup and damages.

However, rainwater is not sold on the idea that humans are primarily responsible for climate change – something scientists mostly agree on.

Rebecca is our energy and environment reporter. Contact them at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter at @beckythiele.

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