Frank Maisano, senior principal in Bracewell’s Policy Resolution Group, talked with E&E News about the energy and environmental track records of some of the leading contenders to serve as Donald Trump’s vice presidential candidate.
Supporters of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum argue that he has skillfully led his state through a challenging environment for fossil fuels. Under Burgum’s leadership, North Dakota became the first state granted primacy by the EPA to oversee specialized injection wells for CO2. The state is also the endpoint for a multibillion project to transport CO2 from dozens of ethanol plants in the Midwest.
“North Dakota is an all-of-the-above state,” said Maisano. “And you have to be an all-of-the-above guy to work in that state.”
In contrast, Florida Senator Marco Rubio is one of the top Republicans on foreign policy and has frame climate issues in terms of competition with China. His views on climate change echo mainstream Republicans, but Rubio has drilled into trade issues, including the critical minerals needed for the energy transition.
“[Rubio]’s been a crusader on trade issues for a long time. That’s where the new climate agenda is,” said Maisano.
