Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in contested races address leading up to the Nov. 5. election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.
Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. Read the candidates’ responses to the previous question about immigration, U.S. Post Office delays, elections and abortion.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
“Climate change is here,” as one reader put it, and several others mentioned their desire to see candidates articulate how they’d address climate change. Still others want to know if candidates accept or deny the science that shows a link between human activity and increasing global temperatures. Do you believe that human-caused climate change is a reality? What, if any, measures would you support in Congress to help address it?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:
Prasanth Reddy (Republican)
I do believe that human activity has contributed to climate change, and it’s important that we take steps to address it. However, we need to approach this challenge with smart energy policies that put the well-being of the American people first. While I support green initiatives and clean energy technologies, the U.S. should not limit its energy production when countries like China continue to contribute far more to global pollution.
We must strike a balance between protecting our environment and ensuring energy independence. The U.S. cannot solve this issue alone. I will support policies that encourage innovation in clean energy, reduce emissions, and promote energy efficiency, but without jeopardizing American jobs or raising energy costs for families. Global cooperation is essential, and I will work to ensure that the burden of addressing climate change is shared equitably by all major polluters, not just the U.S.
Rep. Sharice Davids (Democratic, incumbent)
I firmly agree with the overwhelming majority of scientists who recognize that climate change is real, and that we must take action now to protect our planet for future generations. By promoting clean energy technologies, protecting public lands and waters, and supporting sustainable projects at home, I’m working to build a healthier, more resilient Kansas for future generations.
I voted to pass bipartisan investments in research and development, science education, and the STEM workforce to ensure we are well prepared to lead the globe in clean energy manufacturing and innovative climate technologies. I also supported the largest ever one-time federal investment in climate action through the Inflation Reduction Act. This historic legislation, which helped create more clean energy jobs in Kansas’ Third District than any other congressional district nationwide, puts the United States on a path to eliminate 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and boosts domestic clean energy technology and production.
I also voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law, which is helping implement climate-friendly public transportation options in Kansas like electric buses, increasing home weatherization tax credits to lower energy costs for families, and ensuring our roads and bridges can withstand future extreme weather events. Through these initiatives, I am committed to creating a sustainable future that drives economic growth while preserving our natural resources for generations to come.
Steve Roberts (Libertarian)
Question 5 asks if I would work to address climate change if elected to congress. A short answer is no. A longer answer, however, is warranted.
I teach math, physics, and earth/space science. Climates change. We can measure climate change. But one big volcano could dwarf any effort by government to address a changing climate.
Responsible stewardship of the environment is extremely important. Half-baked measures such as banning petroleum products by the year… fill in the blank… have little chance of substantive effect.
Thoughtful policies, for example, to manage the upper Mississippi-and-Missouri watershed, restore the Ogallala aquifer, and developments on flood plains and coastal plains will have greater and more lasting effects with better economic management.
