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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 TrumpSchumer: Impeachment trial will be quick, doesn't need a lot of witnesses Nurse to be tapped by Biden as acting surgeon general: report Schumer calls for Biden to declare climate emergency 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 BookerDemocrats seek answers on impact of Russian cyberattack on Justice Department, Courts Senate confirms Biden's intel chief, giving him first Cabinet official Booker brings girlfriend, actress Rosario Dawson, to inauguration MORE (D-N.J.), Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandOvernight Defense: Biden lifts Trump's transgender military ban | Democrats, advocates celebrate end of ban | 5,000 guardsmen staying in DC through mid-March Democrats torn on impeachment trial timing OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: 12 removed from National Guard inauguration security | Austin backs lifting transgender ban MORE (D-N.Y.), Kamala HarrisKamala HarrisInaugural poet Amanda Gorman inks deal with IMG Models Overnight Defense: Biden lifts Trump's transgender military ban | Democrats, advocates celebrate end of ban | 5,000 guardsmen staying in DC through mid-March The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - GOP senator retires MORE (D-Calif.), Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharSenators spar over validity of Trump impeachment trial Sunday shows - Biden agenda, Trump impeachment trial dominate Klobuchar says Senate impeachment trial of former official is constitutional: 'We have precedent' MORE (D-Minn.) and Bernie SandersBernie SandersTim Ryan says he's 'looking seriously' at running for Portman's Senate seat Bernie Sanders has been most-followed member of Congress on social media for six years This week: Senate stuck in limbo MORE (I-Vt.), former Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete ButtigiegPete ButtigiegExclusive 'Lucky' excerpt: Vow of Black woman on Supreme Court was Biden turning point The Hill's Morning Report - Biden's crisis agenda hits headwinds Biden signs order to require masks on planes and public transportation MORE, former Colorado Gov. John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperModerates vow to 'be a force' under Biden Bipartisan Senate gang to talk with Biden aide on coronavirus relief K Street navigates virtual inauguration week MORE, Washington Gov. Jay InsleeJay Robert InsleeBiden leans on Obama-era appointees on climate Thousands of troops dig in for inauguration OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Nine, including former Michigan governor, charged over Flint water crisis | Regulator finalizes rule forcing banks to serve oil, gun companies | Trump admin adds hurdle to increase efficiency standards for furnaces, water heaters 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 WarrenTim Ryan says he's 'looking seriously' at running for Portman's Senate seat Leahy, not Roberts, to preside over impeachment trial Skepticism reigns as Biden, McConnell begin new era 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