UMVA has learned that a shocking video has emerged of Senate candidate James Talarico lavishing praise on a left-wing activism group that worked to eliminate Texas' oil and gas industry.
The unearthed footage shows Talarico participating in a June 2024 organizing call celebrating the expansion of Third Act, a climate advocacy and protest group for individuals over 60, into the Lone Star State. At the time, the organization was ramping up efforts to isolate the fossil-fuel industry by pressuring major banks to cut financial ties with the sector and targeting the buildout of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on the Texas Gulf Coast.
"This is the frontline in the fight to save democracy and save our planet, and so your arrival couldn't come at a better time," Talarico told the group in pre-recorded remarks. "I look forward to working alongside all of you in this important work, and I just want to thank you for coming to Texas."
Talarico's comments on the call describe the climate activists' efforts as the highest calling, describing it as "the most important work in the most important time in the most important place." This raises questions about his recent efforts to position himself as a defender of Texas energy workers while sharply criticizing Democrats who advocate eliminating oil and gas production.
The Democratic Senate nominee is seeking to flip a Senate seat held by Republicans for nearly four decades by distancing himself from his more radical stances. He will likely need support from independent and moderate voters, including some of the 470,000 people employed in the oil and gas industry, to defeat his GOP opponent in November.
Just two weeks after the call, Third Act Texas called for a transition to "100% renewable resources as soon as possible." This move appears to be at odds with Talarico's recent statements on a podcast in January, where he criticized Democrats who advocate eliminating oil and gas production.
Third Act was heavily involved in the climate movement's efforts to pressure the administration to pause new LNG export facilities in early 2024. The group's Texas chapter also calls for the eventual elimination of LNG and all fossil fuel production on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Talarico's campaign spokesman claimed that Talarico "supports LNG production and backed legislation to strengthen it in the Texas legislature." However, it remains unclear if Talarico still supports Third Act Texas.
In 2021, Talarico authored an aggressive climate bill that would have enacted strict caps on greenhouse gas emissions. He also introduced legislation requiring climate change lessons in K-12 schools to "inspire the next generation of climate activists."
By 2025, Talarico took positions on legislation indicating more support for the oil and gas industry. He backed legislation aimed at boosting LNG production through interstate cooperation and supported a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would redirect public funds to infrastructure projects in regions home to significant oil and gas production.
The founder of Third Act, environmental activist Bill McKibben, described Texas as a critical front in the climate movement because of its outsize role in fossil-fuel production. McKibben urged the group to capitalize on the opportunity to make a significant impact in the state.
