Biden’s Climate Initiatives: A Legacy in Progress
Following his unexpected 2024 race exit, Biden’s administration swiftly unveiled over $4.3 billion in EPA grants for climate action, pollution reduction, and environmental justice. This significant funding will support projects such as freight decarbonization, geothermal installations, and methane capture, aiming to cut US greenhouse gas emissions by 971 million metric tons by 2050.
Despite the political chaos, the administration’s focus on environmental initiatives remains unwavering. Biden’s commitment to climate change dates back to his introduction of the 1986 Global Climate Protection Act. As president, he prioritized global warming more than during his vice-presidency, reflecting a deep-seated dedication to the cause.
On the global front, the United States holds a pivotal role as the second-largest annual emitter of greenhouse gasses, trailing only China. Activists argue that the US has a duty to lead in reducing global warming, given its historical and ongoing emissions.
By the end of his term, Biden can claim to have made significant strides in combating climate change. His efforts are likely to be remembered as some of the most consequential for the planet’s future, despite the ongoing challenges and criticisms from various quarters.
Key Achievements in Biden’s Climate Agenda
During his 2019 campaign, Biden proposed an extensive climate plan that included a $2 trillion investment in clean energy. Though initially criticized for being less ambitious than his rivals, he managed to implement many of his outlined actions once in office, showing the feasibility of his approach.
Biden re-entered the US into the 2015 Paris climate agreement, set ambitious emissions reduction targets, and introduced stringent regulations on fuel economy and air pollution. His administration also established the Civilian Climate Corps to train workers in maintaining protected lands.
One of his most impactful actions was signing the Kigali Amendment, which aims to phase out potent greenhouse gases, potentially avoiding nearly 1 degree Fahrenheit of warming by century’s end. This treaty received bipartisan support, including from 21 Republicans.
Legislatively, Biden’s passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act mobilized billions for clean energy and climate mitigation. These laws represent some of the largest investments in these areas globally, structured to incentivize rather than penalize carbon reductions.
Challenges and Contradictions in Biden’s Climate Policies
Despite his achievements, Biden faced significant policy contradictions. He initially pledged to ban new oil and gas development on public lands but later approved projects like the Willow project in Alaska, which could extract over 600 million barrels of oil over 30 years.
Under Biden, the US became the largest oil and gas producer in history, with record-high natural gas exports. This paradox of promoting fossil fuel production while aiming to reduce emissions has been a major point of contention.
Biden’s protectionist policies, such as tariffs on foreign goods and incentives for US-based clean tech manufacturing, have also sparked friction. These measures, while supporting domestic industries, have raised costs and slowed the transition to clean energy.
His administration’s use of the strategic petroleum reserve to lower gasoline prices during inflationary periods further complicated his climate goals, as lower fuel prices typically lead to increased driving and higher emissions.
The Fragile Future of US Climate Policy
The future of US climate policy hinges on the upcoming election. Vice President Kamala Harris, likely the Democratic nominee, shares many of Biden’s climate priorities, but there are significant hurdles, including public awareness and legal challenges.
A crucial issue is the slow rollout of the Inflation Reduction Act’s benefits, such as EV charging stations, due to labor shortages and permitting delays. Additionally, growing energy demand from population growth and new technologies like AI is partly met by fossil fuels.
Republican legal actions and Supreme Court decisions have further curtailed the federal government’s regulatory powers, complicating Biden’s climate agenda. Yet, public support for climate action remains high, though it often ranks below other pressing concerns.
Even if Trump returns to the White House, some of Biden’s environmental advances are likely to persist, driven by market forces making renewable energy increasingly competitive. Biden’s efforts have set significant changes in motion that may endure beyond his presidency.
tiger
The Kigali Amendment sounds promising! How close are we to phasing out those greenhouse gases?
Piper_Radiance4
How will Kamala Harris continue Biden’s climate initiatives if she becomes president?
BootsSentinel
Did Biden’s climate policies ever face significant opposition from within his own party?
ethan
It’s awesome to see these achievements! Hopefully, they won’t be undone by the next administration.
jane_stardust
Why did Biden approve new oil projects if he was so committed to reducing emissions? 🤔
cameronmonolith
Biden’s climate wins are impressive, but what about the Willow project? Isn’t that a contradiction?
KennedyNebulae
Is $4.3 billion enough to make a significant impact on climate change?
kylie_blizzard
Great initiatives, but how does promoting oil extraction align with his climate goals?
Jane_Empyreal
Thanks for the detailed breakdown! What do you think will be Biden’s most lasting climate legacy?