Will the DNC Ban on Fossil Fuel Donations Help or Hurt Democrats?

And how mega fossil fuel industry donors the Koch brothers are blocking Republicans from acting on climate.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The Democratic National Committee recently decided to no longer accept campaign donations from fossil fuel companies. The move signals the party’s commitment to addressing climate change. But could blocking contributions from oil, gas and coal companies end up hurting Democrats in the midterm election?

We discuss the new DNC policy with RL Miller, political director at Climate Hawks Vote, chair of the California Democratic Party’s environmental caucus, and a co-author of the resolution.

Before that, we answer a listener’s question about the influence of billionaire conservative activists Charles and David Koch. Did Republicans start to resist climate action because of the Koch brothers' involvement?

We also check in on the nonpartisan, nonprofit Citizens' Climate Lobby, which met with members of Congress last week to advocate for a price on carbon. One participant admits progress is slow, but insists the dialogue is valuable.

To kick off the show, we briefly circle back on the Climate Solutions Caucus, bipartisan group of lawmakers seeking to advance climate change policies. Several Republican members recently voted against valuing carbon in environmental regulations. Is the caucus a sham?

Recommended reading:

Subscribe to the Political Climate podcast via Apple PodcastsGoogle PlayTuneIn, Overcast and Stitcher. Look out for us soon on Spotify!

Follow Political Climate on Twitter @Poli_Climate.