Congressional candidates talk climate and environmental issues

MONTPELIER, Vermont (WCAX) — Ahead of the August primaries, three of Vermont’s US House candidates answered questions about their environmental goals at a forum on Thursday.

Democrats Becca Balint and Molly Gray and independent Liam Madden took the stage at the chapel of the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpellier.

The Vermont Natural Resources Council and the Vermont Conservation Voters organized the event. The VCV says it invited candidates who filed and demonstrated they received 5% or more of the vote in a previous statewide general or primary election, voted 5% or more in a primary or general ballot conducted by an independent. professional pollster, or raised at least $35,000 or received contributions from at least 1,500 Vermonters.

Among a range of environmental topics, candidates were asked about climate justice, sustainability, green jobs, energy production, forest protection and biodiversity. Each explained why they were the right person to help solve the climate crisis in Congress.

The discussion also touched on thoughts on gun reform, the challenges of inflation, the housing shortage and voters’ rights.

Balint and Gray will face off in the Democratic ballot in August, while Madden will run in the Republican primary.

Watch the full forum here.

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