Missouri Coalition for the Environment is dedicated to empowering individuals to make informed decisions at the ballot box, a mission we believe is critical to creating a sustainable future.
Your role in identifying the political candidates who align with your values and vision for a healthy, thriving environment is crucial.
To guide you in making these important choices, we’ve created the following list of critical environmental issues that pro-environment national and state level electeds will likely support if they are committed to protecting our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for Missouri and the United States.
Along with each issue, we also share more about what entities are responsible for managing the resources and decisions involved. You will be able to recognize Pro-Environment candidates by their willingness to invest and work with these agencies. While we cannot endorse candidates or political parties due to our nonpartisan, nonprofit IRS designation, we can help empower citizens to make informed decisions of their own when choosing which candidates to vote for.
Issue: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
This issue includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy policies, carbon pricing, and energy efficiency measures. It also involves preparing communities for the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changing ecosystems.
Nationally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates greenhouse gas emissions and sets standards for energy efficiency. In Missouri, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages state-specific environmental policies, including air quality control and climate adaptation strategies.
A presidential candidate who cares for the environment supports agencies like the EPA in regulating businesses and watching out for their emissions and waste. A local candidate who supports the environment will be interested in working with entities like the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to help their state and communities keep up with climate change.
Issue: Transition to Renewable Energy
This issue supports developing and scaling renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal while phasing out fossil fuels. This transition is critical to reducing carbon emissions and building a sustainable energy future.
The Department of Energy (DOE) drives the national shift toward renewable energy, while the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates utilities and electricity rates in the state, influencing the growth of wind, solar, and other renewables. Missouri’s Division of Energy, part of the Department of Natural Resources, also supports the transition by promoting clean energy and energy efficiency programs.
Political candidates who care about this issue show it by focusing on federal incentives and state-level policies to advance renewable energy development.
Issue: Conservation of Biodiversity and Natural Habitats
This issue centers around Implementing policies that protect endangered species, forests, wetlands, oceans, and other critical ecosystems. It includes expanding protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
National agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Park Service (NPS) help protect wildlife and public lands. In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) plays a pivotal role in managing the conservation of fish, forests, and wildlife, making it a key state agency in this field.
Issue: Water Resource Management
With this issue, we want to see candidates ensuring the sustainable use of water resources through policies that protect freshwater ecosystems, address pollution, promote water efficiency, and respond to the impacts of climate change on water availability.
The EPA enforces the Clean Water Act nationally, while Missouri’s DNR Division of Environmental Quality oversees the state’s water quality, water supply, and regulation of wastewater treatment facilities. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also manages Missouri’s significant river systems, like the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Issue: Environmental Justice
This issue requires the prioritization of policies that address the disproportionate environmental burdens faced by marginalized communities, including exposure to pollution, lack of access to clean water, and the impacts of climate change. It also requires equitable access to resources, decision-making, and environmental protection.
The EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice tackles national issues of pollution in marginalized communities, while Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources works on environmental equity through its own programs. Organizations like MCE also work towards environmental justice across our state.
Issue: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Candidates who believe in this issue promote sustainable farming practices that reduce chemical inputs, conserve soil health, protect pollinators, and decrease food waste. Policies should also encourage local food systems and reduce the environmental impact of industrial agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates national agricultural policies, including sustainability initiatives, while Missouri’s Department of Agriculture (MDA) works at the state level to promote sustainable farming practices and local food systems. The University of Missouri Extension also provides resources and education on sustainable agriculture.
Issue: Regulation of Toxic Chemicals and Pollution
A pro-environment candidate is interested in strengthening regulations to reduce pollution from industries, transportation, and agriculture. This includes limiting the use of harmful chemicals in products, addressing plastic pollution, and supporting the cleanup of contaminated sites.
The EPA regulates hazardous waste, air pollution, and toxic chemicals under the Clean Air Act and other statutes. The EPA’s Region 7 – Heartland also protects our region and the health of people in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and nine Tribal Nations. In Missouri, specifically, the DNR Division of Environmental Quality enforces state-level pollution control measures and regulates the management of hazardous materials.
Issue: Circular Economy and Waste Reduction
A pro-environment candidate advocates for policies that promote a circular economy, where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated instead of discarded. This includes reducing single-use plastics, increasing recycling rates, and incentivizing businesses to adopt sustainable production practices.
The EPA promotes waste reduction and recycling programs nationally, while the Missouri DNR oversees state-level recycling and solid waste management through its Solid Waste Management Program. The Missouri Market Development Program also supports businesses that use recycled materials.
Candidates can advocate for stronger federal and state partnerships to reduce waste, encourage recycling, and support the circular economy in Missouri.
Issue: Supporting Scientific Data and Weather Services
Supporting the National Weather Service (NWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows a candidate is pro-environment by valuing critical climate data, weather forecasts, and environmental research. These agencies provide essential information for understanding climate change, preparing for extreme weather events, and protecting public health.
At the state level, agencies like the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) rely on weather data for disaster response, flood forecasting, and community resilience.
Candidates who back these initiatives demonstrate a priority for public safety and environmental preparedness, ensuring that Missouri’s communities can effectively adapt to changing weather patterns and ecological risks.
Issue: A Less Car-Centric Transportation Approach
Pro-environment candidates will back federal incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and the expansion of charging infrastructure via the Department of Transportation (DOT) and EPA. However, they should prioritize greater investments in public transportation through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to reduce overall vehicle use and emissions.
In Missouri, pro-environment candidates should support the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) in promoting EVs, but focus on expanding public transit options, such as buses and light rail, to reduce car dependency and cut emissions across the state.
–
Candidates who prioritize these issues and actively engage with both national and state agencies are the ones truly committed to protecting our environment and ensuring a sustainable future. Supporting these issues can help build a greener and more resilient future.
We have developed the following scorecards to help you identify which candidates are pro-environment and more likely to advance legislation addressing these issues.
