Hey there, folks! Let’s talk about the wild ride that’s been U.S. climate policy over the past few years. It’s been a bit of a policy ping-pong match, with former President Donald Trump clearing the table of federal policies aimed at tackling climate change during his tenure. Now, with President Joe Biden at the helm, we’re seeing a complete 180—loads of environmental protections are back in play, and we’re talking tens of billions of dollars being poured into the cause.
Biden’s Climate Crusade: Overturning Trump’s Legacy
By the numbers, it’s pretty impressive. President Biden has flipped the script on more than two dozen Trump-era actions that had a direct impact on the fossil fuel industry. And with the November election on the horizon, there’s chatter about another potential flip-flop. Reports from the New York Times and Washington Post have Trump telling Big Oil execs to pony up a cool $1 billion for his campaign, promising to slash those pesky climate regulations once he’s back in the saddle.
Biden’s Climate Action Playbook: A Timeline of Change
But let’s break it down and look at the specifics. A post from the legal eagles over at UC Berkeley and UCLA Law has pieced together a list of 30 of Biden’s most significant moves in the climate arena. We’re talking completed actions only—no “proposed” tags here. These actions range from rejoining the Paris Agreement to a flurry of initiatives around Earth Day 2024.
Recommitting to Global Efforts
Right out of the gate, on his first day in office, Biden got the ball rolling to rejoin the Paris Agreement. By February 19, 2021, the U.S. was officially back in the international climate commitment club.
Executive Orders and Ambitious Targets
Within the first week of his presidency, Biden was already signing executive orders to address the climate crisis, both domestically and internationally. By April 22, 2021, he’d set a bold target: slashing carbon emissions by at least 50% from 2005 levels by the year 2030.
Legislation and Funding for a Greener Future
Fast forward to 2022, and Biden’s signing off on big moves like the CHIPS Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, injecting billions into climate-related R&D and clean energy funding. The Inflation Reduction Act alone is being hailed as the largest investment in clean energy and climate action to date.
Protecting Biodiversity and Promoting Environmental Justice
On the biodiversity front, Biden and the Interior Department have been busy bees, restoring protections for threatened species and making sure climate change is considered in these decisions. There’s also a new Office of Environmental Justice in the White House to ensure all communities benefit from these efforts.
Regulations and Standards Getting a Green Makeover
When it comes to regulations, the Biden administration isn’t holding back. We’ve seen everything from the SEC adopting climate disclosure rules for corporations (though there’s been a bit of a legal snag) to the EPA issuing carbon emissions limits for heavy trucks. The administration is pushing for emissions from cars to be cut in half by 2032, a move that could be a game-changer.
Advancing Clean Energy and Efficiency
It’s not just about regulations; it’s also about building the future. The Biden administration has approved the first U.S. offshore wind project and is throwing billions toward solar power initiatives, especially in disadvantaged communities. They’re also making moves to modernize the grid and boost energy efficiency across the board.
Protecting Public Lands and Addressing Methane Emissions
Public lands are getting some love too, with increased royalty rates for fossil fuel companies and protections for millions of acres in Alaska. And let’s not forget about methane—a potent greenhouse gas. The administration has finalized rules to curb methane emissions from the oil and gas industry, aiming to prevent the equivalent of 1.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions.
Setting the Stage for Offshore Wind and Cleaner Power Plants
Looking offshore, the administration has a five-year plan for wind energy lease sales, hoping to harness the power of the ocean breezes. And back on terra firma, new standards are being set for power plants that could see most coal and new gas plants cutting their carbon pollution by a whopping 90%.
Streamlining Environmental Reviews and Cutting Energy Waste
Last but not least, the Biden team is working to simplify the federal environmental review process, making it easier to get green projects off the ground. And for the everyday American, new energy-efficiency standards for water heaters and other appliances could mean savings on utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
So, there you have it—a whirlwind tour of the Biden administration’s climate policy actions. It’s been a busy few years, and with the political winds always shifting, who knows what the next chapter will bring? But one thing’s for sure—the fight against climate change is in full swing, and it’s a roller coaster ride we’ll all be watching closely.