On Sunday, September 27, half of the French Senate will be renewed through elections where voters will decide whether to extend the mandates of several senators known for opposing environmental protections. These senators have pushed for policies that favor industrial agriculture, reduced wetland conservation, and the reintroduction of neonicotinoid pesticides—chemicals linked to harm to bees and other pollinators. Among them is Laurent Duplomb, who has worked to reauthorize the use of acetamiprid, a pesticide, and support large-scale farming operations. His influence is bolstered by other right-wing senators like Vincent Louault, Franck Menonville, and Pierre Cuypers, who share his stance on agricultural and environmental issues. Daniel Gremillet, a 73-year-old Republican (LR) senator from Vosges and a farmer, has championed a major expansion of nuclear power, aiming to keep it responsible for more than 60% of France’s electricity by 2030 and over 50% by 2050. He proposed a temporary ban on wind and solar energy projects, though this was not passed. However, his influence helped push a government decree that promotes nuclear energy and encourages the use of more powerful wind turbines on existing land, reducing the need for new infrastructure. Dominique Estrosi Sassone, a 67-year-old LR senator from Haute-Alpes, has been a key supporter of anti-environmental policies in the Senate. She has backed Laurent Duplomb on agricultural issues and co-authored a bill with Bruno Retailleau that prioritizes water use for farming over protecting biodiversity. This measure was included in a recent agricultural law that reintroduced banned pesticides, increased water storage targets, and made it easier to cull wolves. Other senators have also drawn attention for their positions. Philippe Folliot, a 63-year-old centrist senator from Tarn, has pushed to restart the A69 highway project between Toulouse and Castres, despite a court ruling against it. He argues that environmental policies should not hinder rural development. Meanwhile, François Bonhomme, a 57-year-old LR senator from Tarn-et-Garonne, has criticized climate activists and labeled opponents of the A69 highway as extremists. He has also opposed the inclusion of abortion rights in the French Constitution and supported installing air conditioning in schools to combat heat. Kristina Pluchet, a 53-year-old LR senator from Eure, has opposed government support for renewable energy and defended the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on beetroot seeds. She has also criticized efforts to repeal a law that eased pesticide restrictions. Sylviane Noël, a 48-year-old LR senator from Haute-Savoie, has supported policies that allow the rental of energy-inefficient homes and has aligned with far-right funded organizations. She has also opposed efforts to cancel local public events and promoted far-right groups on social media. Bruno Retailleau, a 65-year-old LR senator from Vendée, has consistently opposed renewable energy, the precautionary principle, and environmental policies. He supports large-scale water reservoirs, nuclear power, and technological solutions to climate change. He has used outdated arguments from climate skeptics, claiming that Earth’s climate has naturally fluctuated over time, and has argued that France should adapt to climate change rather than impose strict environmental regulations.