Under New Biden Administration, Calls for Climate Action Are Louder Than Ever

How is President Biden Taking Action to Address the Climate Crisis?

Executive orders. In his first days in office, President Biden took a number of environmental executive actions, including revoking the presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, and halting oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Read more climate-specific executive orders here!
Emissions and energy goals. Biden’s original climate plan aims to eliminate carbon emissions from electricity production by 2035 and reach net-zero emissions and 100% clean energy by 2050.
Climate Leaders’ Summit. This gathering is planned for Earth Day 2021, where the US would present their climate commitments and early policy strategy, urging other international leaders to enact their own climate measures.
“Climate Cabinet” appointments. Biden has announced several nominees for Cabinet positions known for their environmental leadership and advocacy at the state and federal level. They include Gina McCarthy (former EPA chief and current president of the Natural Resources Defense Council) and Rep. Deb Haaland (congresswoman and defender of climate and Indigenous rights), among others.

What Challenges Will the Administration Face?

Legislative support. A lot of the plans Biden has for achieving national climate goals will require serious, long-lasting legislation. While Democrats technically have control of both chambers of Congress, the super slim majority in the Senate doesn’t guarantee that ambitious climate legislation will pass smoothly.
Inherited environmental rollbacks. During the Trump administration, several environmental protections were weakened (including regulations for public lands, endangered species, etc). Legal experts estimate that it may take years for the Biden administration to review and restore all of these protections.
Fossil fuel industry opposition. Oil and gas industry execs are already pledging to fight efforts to regulate the industry’s emissions and phase out fossil fuels for cleaner energy sources.

What Else Are Environmental Advocates Asking For?

Rebuild international credibility. For many, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement was just the first step that the US needs to take to truly commit to global climate goals and leadership. (And they argue that the goals themselves don’t mean much without specific, bold policies to make sure we’re on track to achieve them.)
Declare a national climate emergency. Most recently echoed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, some are calling for Biden to declare the ongoing climate crisis a national emergency, unlocking additional presidential powers to address it.
Abolish the filibuster. Environmental groups like Sunrise Movement and Evergreen Action are in support of a national campaign to end the filibuster. Eliminating the filibuster would prevent minority parties from stalling legislation without a supermajority of 60 votes, clearing the way for climate policy.

Take Action: It’s going to take concerted effort from lawmakers, businesses, and individuals to address the climate crisis. Lower your personal carbon emissions by traveling greener for just one day.

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