A Veteran Environmentalist Reflects on the Decline of Bipartisanship in Climate Action

Gene Karpinski, a prominent figure in environmental advocacy for nearly five decades, recently concluded his tenure as president of the League of Conservation Voters (L.C.V.). His departure marks a moment for reflection on the profound transformation in America's political approach to climate change. Karpinski's experience underscores a dramatic decline in bipartisan cooperation on environmental issues, a shift evidenced by the L.C.V.'s transition from endorsing a substantial number of Republican candidates to none in recent years. This evolving landscape presents significant challenges for environmental policy, where once a degree of cross-party consensus existed, a stark division now prevails.

Karpinski, at 73, retired from his leadership role at the L.C.V., an organization renowned for its legislative scorecard assessing environmental policy and historically known for its bipartisan endorsements. His career in Washington began in 1977, notably as one of Ralph Nader's \"raiders,\" and included a 21-year stint heading the Public Interest Research Group. The L.C.V.'s shift in endorsement strategy is particularly telling; nearly two decades ago, approximately 20 percent of their supported federal candidates were Republicans. Last year, that figure dropped to zero.

This growing political polarization has profoundly impacted climate policy. A clear example is the climate legislation championed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr., which passed three years ago despite unanimous opposition from Republicans. Subsequent actions, such as President Trump's signing of domestic policy legislation that repealed significant portions of Biden's climate law, further highlight this deep partisan chasm. Karpinski's insights, shared in a recent interview, illuminate the challenging environment faced by environmental advocates today, where common ground has become increasingly elusive.

The era of finding common ground between the two major political parties on environmental protection seems to have largely faded. This stark reality means that significant legislative achievements in climate action often occur despite, rather than because of, bipartisan effort. The trajectory of environmental policy in the United States, as observed by seasoned advocates like Karpinski, reflects a broader trend of political fragmentation that has implications far beyond just climate, affecting the nation's capacity for unified action on critical challenges.