Haley calls DeSantis 'a liberal' on environmental issues
Share and Follow


Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley took aim at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s environmental policies in the second consecutive GOP primary debate Wednesday, calling the governor “a liberal when it comes to the environment.”

Haley made the remarks in response to a question about the reimposition of sanctions on Venezuelan oil, which prompted DeSantis to accuse the Biden administration of “going hat in hand” to foreign regimes rather than relying on domestic production.

In response, Haley also said she would reimpose sanctions but hit DeSantis on his governmental record, calling him “a liberal when it comes to the environment” and accusing him of “[banning] fracking” as governor. She pointed to the Sierra Club praising DeSantis for his moves as governor to conserve the Everglades, although the environmental group has otherwise been a vocal DeSantis critic, assigning him a grade of D- on environmental issues.

DeSantis, in response, defended his efforts to preserve the Everglades, which he has rarely mentioned on the campaign trail but which he touts on the official website of the governor’s office. 

The two sparred on the issue in the second GOP debate in September as well. Florida banned offshore drilling in a ballot initiative in 2018, and DeSantis said he would press the state Legislature to ban fracking in campaign materials, calling it “a danger to our state” due to its geological makeup.

DeSantis has frequently downplayed the threat of climate change, saying “let’s have the debate” as to humans’ role in it at the first GOP debate despite the consensus of 97 percent of scientists. The Florida governor has taken steps to improve resilience in the hurricane-prone state but has pledged to ramp up fossil fuel production as president, and he accused Democrats and environmentalists of “[ramping] up the fear” on the issue.

The GOP front-runner, former President Trump, has outright denied the existence of climate change, falsely claiming it is a “hoax.” Trump was not present at Wednesday’s debate.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
FBI increases surveillance of Iran-backed operatives in US: source

FBI increases surveillance of Iran-backed operatives in US: source

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The FBI is increasing…
'Hamilton' star Anthony Ramos calls out Madonna for rude behavior at Broadway show

Anthony Ramos, who starred in ‘Hamilton,’ criticizes Madonna for being disrespectful at a Broadway performance

Anthony Ramos vividly remembers spotting Madonna in the audience of one of…
MLB news: Chicago Cubs legend Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field for first time in over 20 years

Recent update in Major League Baseball: Former star player Sammy Sosa makes a comeback to Wrigley Field after more than two decades

CHICAGO — Legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for…
Sammy Sosa returns to Wrigley Field for first time in more than two decades

Sammy Sosa visits Wrigley Field after over 20 years

CHICAGO — Legendary Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field for…
With Extreme Heat Warning in effect for Cook County, temperature rising Autumn Ridge Apartments in Park Forest without AC

“Avoiding Extreme Heat: Temperature Soaring at Autumn Ridge Apartments in Park Forest Due to Lack of AC”

PARK FOREST, Ill. (WLS) — Heading into a heat wave, one suburban…
Canadian tourism industry gets proactive as US visitors drop

The Canadian tourism sector takes action as American tourists decrease.

Canada’s tourism industry is going on an offensive — rolling out ad…
Israel says it killed Iran commanders Saeed Izadi and Benham Shariyari

Israel claims responsibility for the deaths of Iranian commanders Saeed Izadi and Benham Shariyari

🔴ELIMINATED: Behnam Shahriyari, who was in charge of the Quds Force’s Weapons…
Blade Tidwell sharper in second Mets' spot start despite little notice

Improved performance from Blade Tidwell in his second start for the Mets, despite short notice

PHILADELPHIA — After a rainout in Syracuse, Blade Tidwell was finished for…