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As we almost turned the page from 2020 to 2021, many have reason to be optimistic regarding the incoming Biden administration and the potential for bipartisan commitment and action against climate change. In fact, there is a hint of cautious optimism in the air.
Why???
President-elect Biden campaigned with an ambitious climate action agenda, and both the Rs and Ds appear keen to address climate change and risk as part of a renewed focus on the environment.
President-elect Biden’s plans include re-engaging in various green energy and infrastructure projects and also include proposals to address environmental racism as part of previously announced. “Rebuild better” Program.
So what’s first on the agenda:
Paris Agreement – The United States will re-enter the Paris climate agreement and will likely seek to re-engage in various environmental regulatory rollbacks implemented by President Donald Trump; this can be done through executive action.
Other executive orders – President-elect Biden has indicated an interest in limiting drilling for oil and gas on public lands and in public waters, increasing fuel consumption standards for vehicles, and blocking the construction of specific fossil fuel pipelines; this can also be done by executive order.
Legislation – Much will depend on where the Georgia Senate runoff elections end. However, if the Republican party can maintain control of the Senate, there still appears to be interest from both parties in climate change policy.
Politics – Biden has also promised to pursue:
- a 100% clean electricity standard by 2035 (a proposal that could mean the closure or total renovation of all coal and gas power plants in the US);
- Net zero – try to reach net zero emissions by 2050, later than.
- Renewable energy – a $ 2 billion investment in renewable energy projects, with 40% of funds benefit communities of color that have been damaged by contaminants.
- Green infrastructure – coordinated systems-based approach to agency procurement to target the entire federal agency landscape (e.g. Transportation, Interior, and GSA) to help build new green infrastructure and incentivize the development of green energy sources
- State Department It is likely to be used for other international powers to focus similarly on climate policy and carbon emissions. Growing Climate Solutions Act, sponsored by Sens. Mike Braun, R-Ind .; Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich .; Lindsey Graham, RS.C .; and Sheldon Whitehouse, DR.I., focuses on carbon capture technologies in agriculture, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Whitehouse have drafted another bipartisan bill focused on increasing naturally-occurring carbon sequestration methods in ocean and coastal ecosystems.
- In addition, Representatives David McKinley, RW.Va., and Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., Have proposed a 10 year public and private partnership invest in clean energy and infrastructure and subsequent new regulations.
