Biden's green energy policies are expected to save lives and grow jobs, reports show

New reports suggest that President Biden's climate policies will save 200,000 lives by reducing pollution and have already added nearly 150,000 clean energy jobs in the U.S.

Oliver Milman reports for The Guardian.


In short:

  • Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has led to 150,000 new clean energy jobs, with 3.5 million now working in the sector.
  • Clean energy jobs grew 4.5% last year, outpacing U.S. employment growth, especially in energy efficiency, renewables, and electric vehicles.
  • Trump's campaign promises to end clean energy incentives if elected, aiming to deregulate the energy sector.

Key quote:

"The biggest threats to this unprecedented progress are misguided efforts to repeal or roll back parts of the IRA."

— Bob O'Keefe, executive director of E2.

Why this matters:

Reducing pollution saves lives and improves public health. Clean energy job growth boosts the economy but faces potential reversal if Trump wins, risking pollution increases and economic setbacks in this sector.

Woman bundled against cold, snowy weather wearing yellow coat andyellow hat.

What’s up with this big freeze? Some scientists see climate change link

A warming Arctic can stretch the polar vortex, a high-altitude air ribbon, one says. The “wobble” can disrupt the jet stream, causing extreme cold in the East.
Coal fired power plant with smoke stacks spewing on a hill and a green field in foreground.

Final US EPA rule grants coal ash dumps extra time to install ground monitoring

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said its initial proposal for 15 extra months wasn't enough and instead is giving companies 33 additional months beyond deadlines set by the Biden.

Aerial view of oil storage tanks

‘A disaster waiting to happen’: How the fracking boom put an oil field in the Guadalupe River floodplain

Lack of a state floodplain policy in Texas enabled oil companies to build in areas hit by an epic inundation less than 30 years ago.
A man wearing a business suit riding his bike to work

Encouragement boosts people’s likelihood to take climate action

Framing climate action as “doing more good” instead of “doing less bad” makes people more willing to act and feel better about it, a study finds.
A stack of particle board viewed from the side

A climate case for turning farm waste to building materials

Wheat straw and rice husks already appear in niche construction products. A new study explores the global climate effects if they went mainstream.
Child sitting in a doorway and looking down at the ground

The world has pledged to triple climate financing for poorer countries. Is the UK about to U-turn?

The UK has been warned that cutting climate financing for poorer countries would be an “act of self-harm” that would hinder its global influence and damage food security.

The blue and white Energy Star logo sticker

Energy Star program survives Trump administration's budget cuts

Energy Star, the program that helps guide consumers to more energy-efficient appliances and electronics, has survived President Donald Trump’s attempt to kill it.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.