‘Environmental Justice’ Bill Advances Fundamental Transformation of Federal Government
In his 2022 State of the Union address, President Joe Biden announced the Justice40 Initiative, a program intended to “transform” federal programs and advance “environmental justice.”
On Aug. 16, Biden advanced that agenda by signing the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, which, among other things, earmarked $60 billion for “environmental justice.”
Notably, the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) stated about the $60 billion fund, “Congress made Clean Air Act history by giving those most at risk from climate change and other forms of air pollution central roles in developing solutions.”
President Joe Biden signs a series of executive orders at the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office just hours after his inauguration in Washington on Jan. 20, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Additionally, the EDF stated that thanks to the passage of the IRA, policymakers can no longer stand in the way or claim that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lacks authority to implement its agenda.
“The new legislation takes a step forward in addressing these impediments to progress, providing EPA with new authority, new resources, and community-led investments to advance environmental and climate justice.”
Indeed, before IRA’s passing, the EPA had announced that “environmental justice” would be a priority for the EPA. However, June’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling restricted the EPA’s plan.
Now, the EPA has teeth and a clear mandate from Congress.
Environmental Justice
During his campaign, Biden repeatedly stated that “environmental justice” was one of his biggest priorities, and when he took office, he showed that he meant it.
Specifically, according to Biden, “environmental justice” is making sure disadvantaged and minority communities don’t “bear the brunt of toxic pollution” or disproportionally suffer from “climate change” and instead have equitable access to “infrastructure” and “critical services.”
On Biden’s first day in office, he issued an executive order to address
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