Inslee calls Biden climate plan ‘perfect for the moment’

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on Tuesday evening said that former Vice President Joe Biden’s climate plan is “perfect for the moment.”

“It’s perfect for the moment. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am [by] what Joe Biden has come up with under this energy plan,” Inslee said during a virtual event held by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) climate council.

Inslee, who was one of a number of Democrats who ran in the party’s presidential primary before ending his campaign in August 2019, had put forth an ambitious environmental plan that climate activists considered the gold standard.

He endorsed Biden’s candidacy in April after it became clear that the former vice president would become the party’s eventual nominee. Since then, Biden, in an effort to court progressive voters, has put forth an expanded climate and infrastructure plan.

On Tuesday, Inslee specifically praised the plan’s scope, use of environmental standards and its focus on racial justice.

“Every time he’s picked up a tool against climate change, he’s picked up a tool against social inequality and racial inequality at the same time,” the governor said. 

“We’re going to have a great champion and that is Joe Biden,” he added. 

The DNC climate council formed last year and describes itself as a “permanent entity of the DNC” and it is led by Michelle Deatrick, who has been a surrogate for progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). 

Around the time that the group had formed, some advocates wanted the DNC to host a climate-specific debate for candidates running for its 2020 nomination, although that never materialized. 

Its virtual event also featured speakers including former presidential candidate Tom Steyer (D), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D) and Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.).