Iowa Democratic Primary Debate: on Environment

Pete Buttigieg: Fight climate change and prepare for flood and fire

Tom Steyer: Environmental justice, not managed retreat

Mayor Pete BUTTIGIEG: We are going to have to use federal funds to make sure that we are supporting those whose lives will inevitably be impacted. That disproportionately happens to black and brown Americans, which is why equity and environmental justice have to be at the core of our climate plan going forward.

STEYER: Look, what you're talking about is what's called managed retreat. It's basically saying we're going to have to move things because this crisis is out of control. And it's unbelievably expensive. And of course we'll come to the rescue of Americans who are in trouble. But this is why climate is my number one priority. I would do it from the standpoint of environmental justice and make sure we go to the black and brown communities where you can't breathe the air or drink the water that comes out of the tap safely.