Despite the federal government's apparent disengagement from climate initiatives—especially under a president who has dismissed climate change as a 'hoax,' refused to participate in international climate negotiations, and filled government positions with industry insiders—the fight for a sustainable future continues vigorously at local and state levels. And here’s where it gets truly fascinating: progress is happening where most people least expect it.
Research shows that around 75% of the US commitments made under the Paris Agreement can be achieved without federal support—meaning that local governments and communities are capable of significant climate action on their own. This insight has fueled organizations like Climate Cabinet, an innovative group dedicated to strengthening climate policies through supporting election candidates who prioritize environmental issues in local races. These races include school boards, city councils, and state legislatures—positions where your votes truly matter.
The organization, founded by Caroline Spears, was inspired by her experience working at a top solar company. As an analyst, she examined why some states made better progress deploying clean energy than others. For instance, she observed significant differences in project development between Massachusetts—where her company successfully built many solar projects—and Arizona, which, despite receiving more sunlight, lagged due to policy obstacles. This stark contrast highlighted how local policies could either facilitate or hinder clean energy growth.
Since launching in 2020, Climate Cabinet has supported over 500 candidates across diverse races—from Virginia school boards to Minnesota state legislatures—and boasts a success rate of approximately 75%. In the 2025 elections, they achieved victories in 42 out of 45 races endorsed, including a notably close win in Virginia by a candidate who was a former climate advisor to President Biden. Collectively, these elected officials now influence policies impacting the emissions of more than 813 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
"We are backing individuals willing to step into the spotlight during incredibly challenging times," explains Spears. "Many of these candidates have a track record of voting for climate and renewable energy policies. It’s an act of bravery, and our role is to help them succeed."
Proof of how effective this approach can be can be seen by examining the country’s biggest emitters. Take the Prairie State Energy Campus in Illinois, a coal-fired power plant owned by multiple public entities, including the town of Naperville. Despite declining coal use nationwide driven by renewable energy’s decreasing costs, Naperville had committed to a contract tying it to coal until at least 2035. This would have resulted in an additional 32 million metric tons of emissions—a move opposed by local advocates who felt it conflicted with community values.
City council member Ian Holzhauer, a longtime resident, recognized the environmental and moral mismatch and saw the upcoming contract negotiations as a crucial opportunity for change. When Climate Cabinet started supporting his campaign in 2025, he faced fierce opposition funded by wealthy conservative donors—most notably Richard Uihlein, a major rightwing financier known for his extensive political contributions. Despite being outspent, Holzhauer’s grassroots support and local influence helped win him re-election and galvanize efforts to reconsider Naperville’s coal reliance.
So far, the current council is now contemplating ending or renegotiating the coal agreement, moving towards greater clean energy investments. Holzhauer points out, "In just the past four years, two local elections—each decided by fewer than 60 votes—have given us a real shot to make a meaningful difference. Many people underestimate how much power local leaders hold in addressing climate change."
Climate Cabinet recognizes the importance of these smaller, often overlooked races. They back candidates from city councils to state land commissioners, often with modest campaign contributions—sometimes as little as $450 in some states—yet these investments can translate into substantial climate impacts. For example, they are actively supporting Juan de Jesus Sanchez for New Mexico’s Land Commissioner, a position overseeing 9 million acres of state trust land that generates most of its revenue from oil and gas. Since the revenue directly funds public schools, transitioning that income away from fossil fuels is complex but critical.
Sanchez, a committed conservationist with deep local roots, has voiced support for expanding renewable energy and strengthening protections for public lands. While he hasn't committed to phasing out fossil fuels entirely—given the revenue dependency—he emphasizes increasing renewable revenue, safeguarding areas like Chaco Canyon, and enforcing high standards for fossil fuel operations.
Many of these races fly under the radar—even in a state like New Mexico—yet their outcomes can significantly influence regional and national climate policies. As Spears notes, “A handful of key races determine control of legislative chambers, which then pass bold climate policies—like those seen in Minnesota, Virginia, and Wisconsin—that can move the needle toward 100% clean energy.”
Though Climate Cabinet generally endorses Democratic candidates, their endorsements are based on voting records rather than party lines, and they have occasionally supported Republicans supportive of climate action. This pragmatic approach underscores their focus on achievable progress rather than partisan victories.
All of this illustrates a powerful truth: even in an era dominated by gridlock and partisan divides at the federal level, local governments and grassroots organizations can serve as testing grounds for transformative climate policies. Local leaders, like Naperville’s council members, are not just making incremental change—they’re shaping the future by exploring new policies that could someday cascade upward to state and national levels.
So, here’s the question for you: Do you believe that local elections have the capacity to lead the national fight against climate change? Or, is systemic federal action indispensable? Share your thoughts in the comments—your voice might inspire the next big change.
