In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Marsha Blackburn, the Republican Party candidate running for reelection to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate. Also in this series, we profile Democratic candidate Gloria Johnson.

This post is part of a series of blogs examining where 2024 Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues.

Note: The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. Links to reports, candidate websites and outside sources are provided as citizen education tools.

In this blog post, we examine the policies and positions of Marsha Blackburn, the Republican Party candidate running for reelection to represent Tennessee in the United States Senate. Also in this series, we profile Democratic candidate Gloria Johnson. Election Day is November 5, 2024.

Marsha Blackburn was elected in 2018 to represent the people of Tennessee in the U.S. Senate. Prior to her time as a U.S. senator, Marsha Blackburn represented Congressional District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives for 16 years. She served in the Tennessee Senate for 4 years representing Senate District 23. In 1995 she was appointed executive director of the Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Senator Blackburn co-sponsored a joint resolution of disapproval with the intent of using the Congressional Review Act to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new standards to cut down on pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants.

Blackburn voted against the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which gives federal financial support for clean energy technologies. 

Blackburn spoke out against new standards the Department of Energy proposed to help consumers save money by making household appliances more efficient. On X (formerly Twitter) she said, “First, the Left comes for gas stoves and washing machines. Now, the Biden administration wants to take away your water heater. What else will they take in the name of their socialist agenda?” 

Climate Change

In 2011, Senator Blackburn sponsored a bill to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act.

In 2014, Senator Blackburn dismissed the extent of the consensus of the scientific community on human activity being the cause of climate change. 

Electric Transportation

Senator Blackburn had the following response to the development of an electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Stanton, Tennessee, “Ford and SK Innovations’ investment in West Tennessee will develop the next generation of American electric vehicles and battery production. Altogether, the 5.6 billion dollars in investment will directly create 5,800 jobs in addition to countless opportunities in supporting industries.”

Energy Equity and Energy Burden

Blackburn attributes rising electricity bills to President Biden’s climate policies. On X she shared, “American families are spending more on their energy bills because Biden caved to radical leftists.” 

High-Risk Energy 

Senator Blackburn and 22 of her Republican colleagues in the Senate wrote a letter to President Biden outlining 12 actions his administration should take regarding energy in the U.S. The actions included rescinding his decision to revoke the Presidential Permit for the Keystone XL pipeline and fast tracking oil and gas production on federal land. 

Voting Information

Election Day is November 5. Here are important dates and deadlines to consider, from the Tennessee Secretary of State:

• Aug. 7, 2024: First day to make an absentee ballot request
• Oct. 7, 2024: Voter registration deadline 
• Oct. 16, 2024: In-person early voting begins
• Oct. 29, 2024: Absentee ballot request deadline
• Oct. 31, 2024: In-person early voting ends 
• Nov. 5, 2024: General Election Day 
• Nov. 5, 2024: Absentee ballot return deadline 

For more information about being a Tennessee voter, including registering, finding your polling place, and requesting an absentee ballot, visit proudvoter.org.

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