I don't quite frame it the way you do.
I see it as a major lefty, hippie viewpoint, not so much democrat. The thing with democrats(politicians) today though is they fall in line with anything that gets them votes, money or power. Dems don't even give a crap about man made climate change.
I don't see republicans doing much of anything about it. Why would they? The same power the dems grab is the same power they will have.
I think what got this ball rolling were a bunch of 'experts' that needed their funding extended convinced some dipshit named Gore and he fell for it hook line and sinker. If you watched his presentation it definitely was convincing. Except, not a single thing he said or fear mongered came true.
Why would the repubs be on the defensive over something they don't care about either? They're just the same as the dems; votes, money and power.
It's like somebody already said, Kennedy says a lot of good things and is entertaining, but his votes don't back up his words. Not many if any are looking out for us or what's best for the environment. Look how the FDA and our gov't handled the opioid epidemic. The teflon case, heck East Palestine. A major toxic chemical spill and the only people showing up were politicians grabbing a photo op. What did any of them do with the national guard and fema and everything at their disposal to help? They don't care and they're inept.
I don't think this crap is smoke and mirrors. Just look at toilets, they reduce the amount of water they flush, and it keeps going down. It's not progress or helping the environment. Now they want to restrict washers. I don't know, I'm not seeing your point exactly though I'm trying.
Let's say you're right if I'm understanding you correctly, why lie or play games with repubs? Why do we allow this from people that need to be honest and open? Why isn't running on your merit or the facts enough?