Martin O'Malley Heads to Iowa with the Goal of 100% Renewable Energy by 2050
Today, Governor Martin O’Malley is kicking off a 3-day swing through Iowa to formally unveil his goal of making the U.S. 100% powered by renewable energy by 2050.
The Governor identifies the challenge of climate change as both a moral imperative for our nation and a tremendous economic opportunity to create new jobs. That’s why he led on tackling climate change as governor, and why he’s made this goal the center of his campaign.
In Maryland, Governor O’Malley made addressing climate change one of his top priorities. He successfully cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10%, and under his leadership the clean energy sector in the state created thousands of new jobs.
In the Des Moines Register this week, Governor O’Malley laid out his vision, saying, “as president, I would use my executive power on day one to declare the transition to a clean energy future the number one priority of our federal government.”
Governor O’Malley’s bold, progressive policy ideas for tackling climate change have won high praise for “set[ting] an extremely high bar" and being a "bold approach that sets the standard" on the climate debate.
He is the only candidate to put forth an aggressive plan to take on climate change, and he is the only candidate with proven leadership – getting real results in Maryland.
BACKGROUND
PRAISE FOR GOVERNOR O’MALLEY’S BOLD, PROGRESSIVE VISION FOR TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE:
Salon Headline: This Is What A Real Climate Plan Looks Like: Martin O’Malley’s Bold Approach Sets The Standard
Huffington Post Headline: Martin O'Malley Just Set An Extremely High Bar On Climate Change For 2016 Democratic Contenders
The Hill Headline: O’Malley Pushes Aggressive Climate Change Platform
Grist Headline: Here’s What Climate Hawk Martin O’Malley Would Do As President
USA Today Headline: O'Malley Unveils Climate Change Plan
Washington Post Headline: As The Pope Opines On Climate Change, O’Malley Releases A Clean Energy Agenda
Vice Headline: The Presidential Candidate With A Plan To Run The US On 100% Clean Energy
Daily Kos Headline: Martin O'Malley Calls For Getting 100% Off Fossil Fuels By 2050
Eco Watch Headline: Presidential Candidate Martin O’Malley: We Can And Should Be 100% Powered by Renewable Energy By 2050
MSNBC Headline: Martin O’Malley Calls For 100% Clean Energy By 2050
National Journal Headline: Tom Steyer Sends Hillary Clinton A Message, Via Pope Francis And Martin O’Malley
Salon: "O’Malley has long been a hawk on climate change, and this platform is in keeping with his record. Much of what he’s laid out in this document is meant to emphasize that he is very much to the left of Hillary Clinton on the issue.
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“By laying down a clear and ambitious goal for climate policy, O’Malley is injecting some clarity into the climate change debate and giving environmental activists something to rally around."
Eco Watch: “Democratic presidential candidate Martin O’Malley has released a position paper on the environment that deserves more attention…”
The Hill: "O'Malley's target on clean energy is the most aggressive aspect of a climate change platform full of policy proposals that are red meat for liberals and environmentalists."
Vice: “O'Malley does have a political impetus to stake his claim on climate policy—it's one thing that will distinguish him from his peers...”
Grist: “[Governor O'Malley] is the first candidate to produce anything resembling a detailed climate policy…Collectively, they would go further than President Obama has — or than Hillary Clinton has called for thus far.
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“O’Malley is promising to treat climate change — an issue that is often marginalized even by pro-environment candidates — as the hugely important challenge that it is... [He] is unafraid to set himself apart from Obama and the centrist, corporatist wing of his party that embraces fossil fuel development.”
Daily Kos: “O'Malley did not become a climate hawk just yesterday. In 2009, he signed into law a state goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 2006 levels by 2020. He has pushed other environmental actions as well, including cleaning up Chesapeake Bay and reducing methane emissions from landfills by boosting composting.”
MSNBC: “The sweeping plan ... could help O’Malley stand out and excite Democratic primary voters who care about this issue ...”
National Journal: “[Steyer] effusively praised Martin O'Malley for taking the lead...Steyer created a clear contrast between O'Malley and Clinton, the Democratic frontrunner who has yet to take a position on the controversial pipeline and so far has not laid out nearly as detailed a vision for fighting global warming.”
Washington Post: "As some Catholic candidates seeking the Republican presidential nomination question the pope’s advocacy on climate change, Democratic hopeful Martin O’Malley is embracing it."
