Kamala Harris champions polluter accountability in Justice Department

Kamala Harris has a strong history of pursuing polluter accountability, particularly during her tenure as California's attorney general. She has taken significant legal action against major corporations, including a landmark case against Volkswagen, which resulted in California receiving $1.18 billion from a $14.7 billion settlement. This case was notable for its focus on environmental mitigation and zero-emissions vehicle development. Harris also prosecuted companies like Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for hazardous waste violations, demonstrating her commitment to environmental justice. Despite the Biden administration's stated commitment to climate action, environmental prosecutions have not seen a resurgence, remaining below 2019 levels. The Justice Department's environmental division has struggled to match the enforcement levels seen under previous administrations, with a significant drop in civil penalties and injunctive relief secured in recent years. This trend raises concerns about the effectiveness of current environmental policies. Harris's approach emphasizes the need for a more aggressive stance against corporate malfeasance, particularly in the context of climate change. She has articulated a vision of using prosecutorial power to hold polluters accountable and impose serious penalties for environmental harm. This perspective could lead to a transformative shift in how the Justice Department addresses climate issues if she were to assume a leadership role. The ongoing challenges in environmental enforcement highlight the importance of appointing a dynamic attorney general who shares Harris's commitment to accountability. Without such leadership, the potential for meaningful progress in combating climate change and protecting communities from pollution may remain unfulfilled.