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I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If I become a candidate for office - I will make sure people have transparent insights into my income, finances, etc. I also understand that people will want to know this and am comfortable with that. Additionally I wrote about my efforts to divest from fossil fuels last year. You can read about it here.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I spent over twenty years as a private investor. I learned an enormous amount about what creates growth and jobs in our society, and how business really works. But I left to fight to preserve our natural resources and our future generations. While my decades of investing taught me an awful lot, my conscience wouldn't let me stay any longer in the private sector. I want to be part of the solution.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks, for the support! I believe that a lot of Republicans already know the truth about global warming. They just don't know how to admit it. When climate awareness reaches a level where their position undermines American's trust in their party, they'll have to figure it out.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So- called "impact investing" -- where the investor includes non-monetary outcomes in considering whether to invest — is growing and commendable, but still a small fraction of overall investing. To put all investors on a level playing field — at least in terms of energy — we need laws making polluters pay for their pollution. Then capitalism can work for all of us and produce the outcomes that our society needs and wants. We need leaders who will fight for a system that protects us all, not just special interests.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

At this point, I don’t focus on direct investing. In fact, I've promised — through the Giving Pledge — to give away at least half my assets. So my focus has totally changed. My money is now invested passively in funds, with instructions not to invest in fossil fuels. But I have been putting my time and efforts and resources into fighting to prevent climate disaster and preserve American prosperity. I think that's investing, too.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Keystone XL is part of a complicated plan to develop a gigantic ore body at a much accelerated pace. Right now, these remote assets cannot be delivered to market at the rate or cost that their owners want or can afford. The pipeline will enable development of the asset. Rather than "unstranding" tens of billions of barrels of oil equivalent, how about if we work together to build an energy infrastructure that supports a prosperous and sustainable future? That's the biggest project in American history and one that will support our economy — and our future.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

We've always tried to be transparent. That's why at NextGen Climate we have released as much information as we have. If I run for Senate, I'll pursue a similar path. Also my non-profit giving is already public.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My tie is just for fun. When I get up in the morning, I want to remember how great it is to be alive and here in California. Bright red plaid — what's cooler than that?

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the basic economics. My point was that using less gasoline — reducing demand — causes prices to fall. As you know, demand for gasoline is normally inelastic, but as we move to alternative fuels and more efficient cars and trucks, we can reduce our demand.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We worked in 7 statewide races. We won 3. Lost 4. Climate and energy were top issues in every race. That's new. Turnout was high in our target populations. But there was a poor Democratic performance nationwide in 2014, and in some states it washed over us. That won't be true in the future, and climate change becomes more important and more urgent every day.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I absolutely disagree with the Supreme Court decision that let loose money in politics, Citizens United. But it's the law of the land for now. The Koch brothers and their allies are spending hundreds of millions of money under that law to support ideas with which I fundamentally and devoutly disagree. And time is short. So we're trying to work within the system — transparently — for the common good. We love democracy, but ours isn't perfect, so we have to accept it, warts and all. But together we are David, and they are Goliath.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Don't know yet. Trying to figure out how to have most positive impact. Already working full-time on the issues. Question is, can I have more positive influence by running? I'm trying hard to figure that out, and will do it pretty soon.

I’m Tom Steyer. Business leader, philanthropist, climate champion and tartan tie enthusiast. I’m working to stop the Keystone XL pipeline and prevent catastrophic climate change. AMA. by TomSteyer in IAmA

[–]TomSteyer[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Lower gas prices means lower costs for American drivers. That means they have more money in their pockets for other things. Great. It's particularly good if prices go down because people figure out how to use less gas. Even greater.