Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris is a steadfast climate warrior but her stand on the tech and financial sectors are less than simple
From leading environmental lawsuits in California to navigating high-profile relationships with Silicon Valley and Wall Street, Harris embodies a multifaceted approach to policy and governance.
Vice President Kamala Harris has solidified her reputation as a climate advocate, aligning closely with President Biden’s environmental agenda. Her career has been marked by a strong stance on clean energy and environmental justice, beginning with her tenure as California's Attorney General. Harris spearheaded lawsuits against major oil companies like Chevron and BP, securing multimillion-dollar settlements for pollution violations.
When Biden selected Harris as his running mate for the 2020 election, he highlighted her formidable record against the oil industry, underscoring her commitment to environmental issues. As Attorney General, Harris tackled pollution with notable vigour, including winning settlements over breaches related to underground fuel storage tanks.
In her current role, Harris continues to champion renewable energy. She supports Biden’s strategy for expanding offshore wind energy and other clean technologies, a stark contrast to former President Trump’s pro-fossil fuel stance. Last year, Harris made a splash on the global stage with her first major international climate speech and a $3 billion pledge to the Green Climate Fund. Her involvement extends to domestic policy, with initiatives like a multibillion-dollar programme to replace lead pipes and address environmental justice concerns.
However, Harris’ ties to the tech and financial sectors paint a more complex picture. During her campaign for California Attorney General, she reportedly reassured potential donors of her capitalist credentials. Known for her connections with Silicon Valley elites, Harris attended the wedding of Sean Parker, an early Facebook executive, and her brother-in-law, Tony West, serves as Uber’s chief legal officer. She has received support from notable tech figures, including Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.
Her relationship with Wall Street is similarly nuanced. Harris earned a reputation for being tough on big banks as California Attorney General, famously walking away from a settlement negotiation that fell short of providing adequate relief for consumers affected by foreclosure and predatory lending practices. Her actions led to banks eventually increasing their compensation to Californians.
In 2016, Harris’s office launched a criminal investigation into Wells Fargo over allegations of unauthorised account openings. Despite this, several Wall Street heavyweights are reported to be backing her, including Peter Orszag and Ray McGuire from Lazard, Blair Effron from Centerview, Jonathan Gray from Blackstone, and Roger Altman from Evercore. Harris’s dual focus on climate action and her complex relationships with tech and financial sectors highlight her multifaceted approach to governance and policy.