San Francisco voters in the 11th Congressional District received a clear snapshot of where the two leading Democratic candidates stand on a key national issue: whether the federal government should approve any new fossil fuel infrastructure, such as natural‑gas pipelines and export terminals. The question was posed by Mission Local as part of its “Meet the Candidates” series, which asks each contender to answer in 100 words or fewer.
Connie Chan’s position
Supervisor Chan, 47, a lifelong San Franciscan and homeowner, answered “Yes.” She highlighted her record of banning oil extraction on city‑owned land and pledged to fight for a Green New Deal in Congress. Chan said she would push for federal investments in publicly owned clean power to lower utility costs and ensure a just transition that creates good union jobs while protecting workers. She also called for a national moratorium on data centers until strong environmental safeguards are in place, arguing that working families should not shoulder higher electricity bills to subsidize corporate profits.
Scott Wiener’s position
State Senator Wiener, 56, responded that he would “presumptively oppose any proposals” that would block new projects. He emphasized his long‑standing work to ban fracking in California, hold fossil‑fuel companies accountable, and force large corporations to disclose carbon emissions. Wiener argued that the United States should not double down on an “addiction to fossil fuels,” but rather invest in massive clean‑energy infrastructure. He framed the issue as a matter of national security, noting that the Trump administration’s overseas natural‑gas export terminals help keep American energy markets competitive and support jobs across the country.
Context and national backdrop
Climate scientists warn that global temperatures could rise more than 1.5 °C above pre‑industrial levels, with current policies projecting a 2.8 °C increase by the end of the century. Under President Trump, the United States is expanding fossil‑fuel projects, including new export terminals designed to ship natural gas overseas. Federal agencies retain oversight of these projects, and Congress retains the authority to pass legislation that could halt them.
Endorsements
Chan is endorsed by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Ro Khanna, the California Federation of Labor Unions, SEIU California, the San Francisco Labor Council, the Working Families Party, and the San Francisco Tenant’s Union. Wiener’s endorsements include the California Democratic Party, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Sierra Club, San Francisco YIMBY, Grow SF, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the North Coast States Carpenters Union, and activist Dolores Huerta.
What this means for voters
San Franciscans who prioritize aggressive climate action and a rapid shift to publicly owned clean energy may find Chan’s stance aligns with their values. Voters who are concerned about energy reliability, job creation in the energy sector, and maintaining a strong national energy export strategy may lean toward Wiener’s approach. Both candidates emphasize protecting working families, but they differ sharply on the role of federal fossil‑fuel projects in the nation’s energy future.
Election Day is set for November 3, 2026. Residents can register to vote via the sf.gov website.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
