Steyer, Biden clash over climate credentials

Former Vice President Joe Biden went toe-to-toe with billionaire Tom Steyer over their climate credentials during the fifth Democratic presidential debate on Wednesday.

Steyer, who has sought to brand himself as the climate candidate, said he would use his presidential powers to declare the climate crisis an emergency on his first day in office. 

“I am the only person on this stage who will say climate is the No. 1 priority for me,” Steyer said.

That touched a nerve with Biden, who said, “I don’t need a lecture from my friend.” He went on to add that climate change is “the existential threat” and “the No. 1 issue.”

Joe Biden: I don’t need a lecture from Tom Steyer, who was building coal mines while I was working on environmental issues and climate change.#DemDebate pic.twitter.com/Am54uu9ls6

— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) November 21, 2019 

But Steyer challenged Biden, who spent nearly four decades in the Senate, and the other lawmakers onstage, saying, “Congress has never passed an important climate bill ever.” 

“This is a problem which continues to get worse. That’s why I’m saying it’s a state of emergency,” Steyer added.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) jumped in to note that in July he introduced a bill with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to declare a climate change emergency.