Democrats Retreat From Costly Climate Agenda As Voter Support Weakens
Dems scale back their climate policies as high costs and political risks come into focus.
by Melissa O'Rourke July 10, 2025
Democrats are beginning to dial back some of their signature environmental policies in response to their mounting economic costs, but some policy analysts argue the changes are far more symbolic than substantive. [emphasis, links added]
In recent months, Democratic leaders have moved to soften key climate regulations, including in California, where Gov. Gavin Newsom revised the state’s signature environmental review law in June.
Observers say these changes reflect Democratic lawmakers’ growing awareness that the economic strain caused by climate policies is hurting their electability, but it remains to be seen whether the adjustments are here to stay for the long run.
On June 30, Newsom approved changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which has been widely criticized for causing project delays and exacerbating the state’s housing shortage and affordability crisis.
https://climatechangedispatch.com/democrats-climate-agenda-retreat/
