Stark contrast on climate in Virginia Senate race

FAIRFAX, Va. — The race for U.S. Senate in Virginia between incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao features a stark contrast on climate issues, according to a WUSA9 review of Kaine's voting record and past statements from both candidates.

Cao is a climate change skeptic. Kaine says it's an existential threat.

Their positions have been consistent over years of statements reviewed by WUSA9.

For instance, at an appearance by Cao at a 2022 candidate forum during an unsuccessful run for Congress, he said his faith in God assures him the climate is safe.

“I need a lot more data about climate change to really convince me," Cao said at the time.

“In Virginia, we’ve got huge areas of risk of the negative impacts of climate change. We are directly affected by climate and we see extreme weather patterns," Kaine said during a 2014 speech.

Much of the debate in the 2024 campaign has featured confusing talk about the 2023 U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.

Despite its name, the bill is chock full of climate and environment measures making it the most aggressive climate legislation in history.

Kaine voted for it. Cao has criticized the legislation.

The inflation reduction act poured $369 billion into measures like tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs), and tax credits to encourage U.S. production of solar and wind infrastructure.

“That's great, but the problem is with what happens when the sun doesn't come out, or the wind doesn't blow," Cao said in 2022.

During an Oct. 2 debate between the candidates, Cao said the U.S. would be better served by developing as much fossil fuel energy as possible to eliminate imports from unfriendly regimes.

“We need to be energy independent in this country, and that means unleashing all the energy we can get in order to bring forth American power," Cao said.

Kaine countered that investment in domestic wind energy development from the Inflation Reduction Act is resulting in new Virginia jobs provided by companies like LS Green Link, which is building an offshore cable manufacturing facility in Hampton Roads.

“That is making a huge difference in the economy right here in Hampton Roads," Kaine said at the recent debate. "We are the energy leaders in the world because of these policies.”

Kaine pointed out the U.S. is already producing record domestic energy while renewables like offshore wind development are charging Virginia’s economy.

Both candidates said they support further development of carbon free nuclear energy.