Texas Senate Candidate Praises Climate Activists

Senate hopeful James Talarico recently expressed strong admiration for a group of left-leaning activists aiming to diminish Texas’ oil and gas sector, as revealed in a video leaked to the public. Talarico joined a June 2024 organizing call, celebrating the expansion of Third Act—a climate advocacy group focusing on individuals aged 60 and above—into Texas. At that time, the organization ramped up its efforts to press major banks to sever ties with the fossil fuel industry while also challenging the establishment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals along the Texas Gulf Coast.

“This is the front line of the fight to save our democracy and save our planet,” Talarico told the activists in pre-recorded remarks. He emphasized, “Your arrival couldn’t come at a better time.” He continued, expressing eagerness to collaborate on this crucial initiative.

In a follow-up phone discussion, Talarico described the mission of climate activists as paramount. He claimed it to be “the most important work we do in the most important places, at the most important times.”

Just two weeks after that call, Texas Third Act pushed for a shift to “100% renewable resources as soon as possible.” This intention seems at odds with Talarico’s recent attempts to portray himself as a supporter of Texas energy workers, while also criticizing fellow Democrats advocating for the elimination of oil and gas production.

The Democratic candidate, who is also a significant fundraiser, is working to take over a Senate seat long held by Republicans. I suppose his strategy includes distancing himself from more extreme views in order to appeal to independent and moderate voters. This includes the 470,000 individuals who work in the oil and gas industry in Texas, crucial for his campaign against Republican candidate Ken Paxton in the upcoming November election.

“The idea that politicians in Washington think we can eliminate this industry and eliminate these jobs is something we have to fight,” Talarico mentioned during a podcast appearance. He articulated concerns over party members advocating for the abolition of oil and gas, labeling such views as unrealistic and damaging to both the state and the nation reliant on Texas’ fossil fuel industry.

Third Act is actively involved in the climate movement’s #StopLNG campaign and has reportedly influenced the Biden administration to halt new LNG export facilities as of early 2024. The group’s Texas chapter is pressing for the eventual eradication of LNG and all fossil fuel production on the Gulf Coast, according to a statement on their website.

Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis informed that Talarico “supports LNG production and supports legislation in the Texas Legislature to enhance LNG production.” However, it remains unclear if Talarico still aligns with Third Act Texas.

Complex Positioning on Climate Legislation

In 2021, Talarico proposed a strict climate change bill, aiming for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. Implementing such drastic changes in the nation’s top oil and gas-producing state would likely necessitate fundamental alterations in the industry. He also introduced legislation that would require climate change education in K-12 schools, intended to inspire future climate activists.

Talarico has voiced support for laws that bolster the oil and gas sector by 2025. He backed a measure intended to increase LNG production through cross-state cooperation and introduced a resolution advocating for a constitutional amendment to allocate public funds for infrastructure projects in high oil and gas production regions.

He praised the launch of Third Act Texas in June 2024 after the group gained visibility from organizing climate protests targeting Citigroup in New York City, pressuring financial institutions to refrain from backing new fossil fuel endeavors.

Activist Bill McKibben, founder of Third Act, described Texas as a critical battleground in the climate fight due to its significant role in fossil fuel production. “Think of it as an opportunity,” he said, noting the potential for impactful work compared to efforts in Vermont.