Markey challenges Democratic Senate campaign opponents to climate change debate

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) on Saturday challenged his fellow Democratic Senate candidates to a climate change debate.

“I was very disappointed at the Democratic National Committee’s refusal to hold a climate change debate for our presidential candidates,” Markey said in a video. “In Massachusetts, we should do better than that.

In his video, Markey names three primary challengers: Boston lawyer Shannon Liss-Riordan, actor Steve Pemberton and Rep. Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.), who formally launched his Senate bid on Saturday morning.

“So today, I’m challenging environmental groups in Massachusetts who have shown the greatest commitment to fighting climate change to sponsor this debate and establish a format that will provide the best opportunity for voters to hear from all of the candidates for the next generation,” Markey said.

Markey suggested that the debate take place during the week of Nov. 11, saying, “We can’t wait.”{mosads}

“I thank all of my opponents in advance and all of the people of Massachusetts who show me every day how committed they are to fighting the climate crisis,” he said. “Together we can save our planet.”

Markey’s announcement comes after the Democratic National Committee voted down a proposal for a presidential primary debate focused on climate change despite facing mounting pressure from environmental groups and some White House candidates.