October 10, 2022
News Story
by Tara Malhotra
Topics such as inflation, healthcare, immigration, and abortion have dominated the conversations in the 2022 Senate races. However, another issue is frequently being discussed in the Western states’ Senate campaigns: drought.
The Associated Press (AP) states that in past years, drought was hardly ever mentioned during Senate races, but now the issue is as prominent as ever. The states most affected by drought are Arizona and Nevada, and their Senate races are revolving around solutions. Representatives from both states have spent the elections navigating the topic with the environment and their voters in mind.
Hasani Sinclair, Advanced Placement United States Government and Politics teacher, highlights that environmental issues could come up in certain races this year.
“Environmental concerns can get pushed way far down. Unfortunately, in the Senate races, people care more about the races that are close. The really sad bottom line is that environmental issues tend to not be focused on as much, but this could change with our current state,” Sinclair said.
The government’s environmental concern for Western states is evident. Nevada officials reported in September that the Colorado River’s water shortage is at an all-time high due to drought, climate change, and everyday use. As a result, the federal government announced that Arizona and Nevada must follow extreme water cuts until the surrounding states lessen their droughts.
The two Senators from these states that are up for reelection are Mark Kelly of Arizona and Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada. Recently, Kelly and Cortez Masto have joined forces to take action on the drought. They collaborated on the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocates $4 billion towards water scarcity—especially with regard to the Colorado River.
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions described the Inflation Reduction Act’s plan as “especially timely”. The bill focused on water conservation agendas and ecosystem restoration by implementing grants and government support. It also planned to compensate people depending on the steps taken to decrease water consumption. In addition, more drought relief funds are saved in case of emergency to help certain communities plan water conservation projects.
Both Senators are facing conservative opponents who disagree with prioritizing the drought and creating the Inflation Reduction Act; some are even skeptical that climate change exists, according to Environment & Energy Publishing. No Republicans in Congress voted for the bill, as they were concerned about it perpetuating inflation and raising taxes. Many conservative lawmakers also believed that $4 billion would be overspending on the megadrought issue.
Nevertheless, in August, President Joe Biden signed the law into effect. CNN reported that Biden is working with his team to roll out the new legislation during the upcoming months.
Erik Becker, a Middle School American government teacher, touches on Senate campaign statements about environmental issues.
“Most voters probably don't have the time or attention span to listen to detailed explanations. Like most things, sadly, one-liners and sound bites tend to make the news. We are living through a climate catastrophe—it's real and right in front of our eyes,” Becker said.
With Arizona and Nevada’s close Senate campaigns, the statewide water cuts and the Inflation Reduction Act could show the impact that droughts and environmental issues have on government. The final results of the upcoming Senate races could further the nation’s environmental agenda, or it could destroy those long-awaited advancements. It could all depend on the elections
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