True: Democratic Party dropped demand to end fossil fuel subsidies from the platform.

By: Devika Kandelwal
August 19 2020

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HuffPost uncovered that the Democratic Party dropped this demand from the Manager's Mark and said they incorrectly added it in their final draft. On August 18, HuffPost reported that the Democratic National Committee dropped language calling for an end to fossil fuel subsidies and tax breaks from its party platform. On July 27, Democratic officials added an amendment to the Manager's Mark, a ledger of party demands voted on, stating that Democrats support eliminating tax breaks and subsidies for fossil fuels. This amendment was approved; however, the statement that also reflects pledges Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, disappeared from the final draft of the party platform, which they circulated on August 17. HuffPost reached out to a DNC spokesperson who said the amendment was incorrectly included in the Manager's Mark and had been taken out after the error had been discovered. This omission is problematic because of the stance Joe Biden and Kamala Harris took on fossil fuels during democratic debates. During the CNN Democratic Presidential Debate, Joe Biden said he would not allow more subsidies for the fossil fuel industries. Even in the Climate Plan outlined on JoeBiden.com, it is clearly stated that he wants to end subsidies for fossil fuels. Further, an infographic released by Washington Post, showing Democratic candidates stance on eliminating fossil fuel subsidies- shows that Kamala Harris, in her climate action plan, stated that she supported putting an end to federal subsidies for fossil fuels and held Big Oil accountable for its role in the climate crisis.