Biden urged to declare climate emergency: What authority would it give him?
President Biden’s Urgent Action on Climate Change
President Joe Biden has been resolute in his commitment to addressing the climate crisis since taking office. He has already taken significant steps, such as conserving more land, rejoining the Paris climate accord, and passing the Inflation Reduction Act. However, lawmakers and climate activists argue that more needs to be done, especially as the United States faces soaring temperatures, power grid threats, and worsening wildfire risks.
Potential Actions on Climate
Here are some actions President Biden could take to combat the climate crisis:
- The National Emergencies Act: Under this federal law, Biden has the power to declare a climate emergency. This would grant him additional authority to curb climate change, including limiting drilling and fossil fuels. While facing opposition from Republicans, climate and environmental groups argue that this step is necessary to address the current challenges.
- Defense Production Act: Biden could utilize the powers granted by this act to boost the manufacturing of renewable and clean energy technologies. This approach would follow the footsteps of former President Donald Trump, who used the same authorities to accelerate medical supplies production during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Inflation Reduction Act: Although indirectly related, Biden and his supporters view this act as a means to address the climate crisis and its associated emergencies. However, those affected by recent devastating wildfires in Hawaii are urging the president to take more decisive action.
President Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, emphasized that he has prioritized clean energy manufacturing from the beginning of his presidency. She highlighted his use of the Defense Production Act to boost heat-pump manufacturing and enhance the U.S. power grid.
While the Inflation Reduction Act and other measures are steps in the right direction, climate activists stress the need for more substantial action. Evan Weber, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, urged President Biden to understand that being the greatest president on climate action in U.S. history is not enough. The scale of the climate crisis demands even bolder and more impactful measures.
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