Green groups launch the 'Beat Trump Presidential Climate Unity Fund'

By Rebecca Beitsch - 04/30/19 09:49 AM EDT
 
Green groups launch the 'Beat Trump Presidential Climate Unity Fund'
© Getty Images

Environmental groups are teaming together to create a “Beat Trump Presidential Climate Unity Fund,” kicking off a fundraising effort to boost the eventual Democratic nominee by targeting green-minded voters.

Calling President TrumpDonald John TrumpMilitary personnel to handle coronavirus patients at facilities in NYC, New Orleans and Dallas Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort has total of 20 patients: report Fauci says that all states should have stay-at-home orders MORE “the most anti-environmental president ever,” the fund, announced Tuesday, will hold on to as much as $5,600 per voter until a Democratic nominee is selected.

The political wings of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), the Natural Resources Defense Council and NextGen America started the fund with the hope of raising $1 million for the future nominee.

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“While Democratic presidential candidates will have spent the primary season demonstrating a real commitment to climate action to the voters, Trump will have spent this time building his coffers from his polluting corporate donors,” Gene Karpinski, President of LCV Victory Fund. “We want to help the eventual Democratic nominee hit the ground running, empowered by voters across the country to fight for our environment in the general election.”

Voters will also be able to make direct donations to what the groups have determined are “leading pro-environment 2020 presidential candidates.”

Sens. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerMaryland Legislative Black Caucus pushes for state to release racial breakdown of coronavirus impact Democrats eye additional relief checks for coronavirus Lawmakers, labor leaders ramp up calls to use Defense Production Act MORE (D-N.J.), Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandLawmakers already planning more coronavirus stimulus after T package Progressive advocates propose T 'green stimulus' plan Juan Williams: Biden's promises on women are a big deal MORE (D-N.Y.), Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisMaryland Legislative Black Caucus pushes for state to release racial breakdown of coronavirus impact Biden associates reach out to Holder about VP search Biden confirms he's considering Whitmer for VP MORE (D-Calif.), Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharHillicon Valley: Zoom draws new scrutiny amid virus fallout | Dems step up push for mail-in voting | Google to lift ban on political ads referencing coronavirus Democrats press Trump, GOP for funding for mail-in ballots HuffPost political reporter on why Bernie fell way behind Biden MORE (D-Minn.) and Bernie SandersBernie SandersHuffPost political reporter on why Bernie fell way behind Biden Schumer: Administration 'must move heaven and earth' to implement new unemployment benefits Biden associates reach out to Holder about VP search MORE (I-Vt.), former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegHuffPost political reporter on why Bernie fell way behind Biden Economists fear slow pace of testing will prolong recession The Hill's 12:30 Report: Pence defends response, says Trump never 'belittled' virus threat MORE, former Colorado Gov. John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperSenate GOP super PAC books more than million in fall ads Poll shows Daines, Bullock neck and neck in Montana Senate race Progressive challenger: How we overcame Chuck Schumer meddling MORE, Washington Gov. Jay InsleeJay Robert InsleeWashington state extends stay-at-home order to May 4 Governors win high marks for coronavirus response, outpacing Trump Lizzo donates lunch to hospital workers battling coronavirus MORE, are all on the list and the groups say more could be added in the future.

Inslee has pitched himself as the climate change candidate, while Booker and O’Rourke each recently rolled out climate-related plans of their own.

Candidate and Sen. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenMaryland Legislative Black Caucus pushes for state to release racial breakdown of coronavirus impact Hillicon Valley: T-Mobile, Sprint complete merger | Warren pushes food delivery apps to classify workers as full employees | Lawsuit accuses Zoom of improperly sharing user data Warren calls on food delivery apps to classify workers as full employees MORE (D-Mass.), who is not part of the platform, included environmental policies as part of her public lands policy package.

To quality, candidates must commit to achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2050, recommit the U.S. to the Paris Climate Accord, and reject contributions from fossil fuels and coal companies. 
 
They also must explain what personally motivates them to make the climate crisis a top priority as president, with many of the prompts closely tracking the messages candidates have pushed on the campaign trail.
 
Inslee has branded himself the climate change candidate but focused on his role as a grandparent in motivating his work.
 
"This is the most important work that we can do for our three grandchildren and for grandchildren across the country--to devote ourselves to ensuring their lives and futures are not degraded by a world racked by unabated climate change," he wrote in a two-page essay.
 
Sanders focused on the role played by lobbyists in avoiding action.
 
"We are long overdue for taking this threat seriously, due in large part to the hundreds of millions of dollars and armies of lobbyists deployed by multinational fossil fuel corporations to protect their profits," he said.
 
Buttigieg highlighted his youth as an asset for tackling the problem.
 
"My generation will be on the business end of climate change, and in fact we are already seeing its enormous impacts right now in our communities," he said.
 
 
Tags Kirsten Gillibrand John Hickenlooper Elizabeth Warren Pete Buttigieg Bernie Sanders Amy Klobuchar Kamala Harris Donald Trump Cory Booker Jay Inslee Climate change 2020 election Environment Democratic primaries