Opinion: No country for climate hawks

July 28, 2025

Once perched atop the climate movement’s moral high ground, the self-anointed “climate hawks” are now watching their influence dwindle, and nowhere is that retreat more visible than in California. Long the epicenter of progressive climate ambition, the Golden State is now backpedaling. Democrats who once championed aggressive environmental mandates are hitting pause, reworking regulations, and distancing themselves from policies that have driven up energy and housing costs. A post-2024 reality check has swept the party: climate may still poll well in theory, but not when it collides with affordability.

Sign Up. Be Informed.

First Name*
Last Name*
Email Address*
Address*
ZIP Code
Phone Number
What tea publication would you like to subscribe to*
- Select All
- Afternoon TEA (blog sent every other Monday)
- TEA Takes (opinion column sent every Wednesday)
- Common Sense Energy (newsletter sent every Friday)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Subscribe
- Subscribe to our weekly energy newsletter
CAPTCHA

Paid for by The Empowerment Alliance