climate policy
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A blueprint for reshaping climate regulations under a second Trump administration
The Project 2025 plan outlines a conservative vision for dismantling EPA climate regulations if Trump returns to the White House.
In short:
- Project 2025, led by the Heritage Foundation, details how a second Trump term could weaken the EPA and reshape climate regulations.
- The plan includes reducing industries required to report greenhouse gas emissions and reviving policies from Trump's first term.
- Transparency and cost-benefit analysis are central themes, aiming to limit EPA's regulatory reach.
Key quote:
“The biggest difference is we have a plan from Day One, we’re going to start implementing it, and we won’t be as susceptible to process problems that really sunk a couple of those final regulatory proposals and actions we took at the tail end of the administration.”
— Mandy Gunasekara, former Trump EPA chief of staff
Why this matters:
Project 2025 is not just a high-level manifesto; it's a step-by-step guide to neutering the EPA and rolling back climate regulations that took years to put in place. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Record oil profits highlight the long road to renewable energy
Despite global efforts to shift to renewables, U.S. oil producers are raking in record profits thanks to high prices and demand.
In short:
- U.S. oil companies, recovering from the pandemic slump, are now seeing significant profits due to market forces and geopolitical events.
- Many oil companies have shifted strategies, focusing on financial returns by cutting costs and improving efficiency.
- Despite increasing renewable energy adoption, global demand for oil continues to grow, with the U.S. leading in production.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to get out of this business because supply was squeezed, because there’s plenty of it. We’re going to get out of the business because demand went down.”
— Samantha Gross, director at Brookings Institution
Why this matters:
This tug-of-war between old-school energy and the shiny new kids on the block highlights the tough balancing act of transitioning to a cleaner future. For now, Big Oil's got its foot firmly on the gas pedal, leaving us all to wonder how long this joyride can last. Read more: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
GOP plans major rollbacks of US climate policies if victorious in elections
A Republican sweep in upcoming elections could mean a dramatic shift in U.S. climate policy, undoing many of Biden’s key environmental initiatives.
In short:
- Republicans could defund or dismantle federal environmental agencies, roll back climate regulations, and boost fossil fuel usage.
- Key GOP proposals include increasing oil drilling, slashing fees for fossil fuel companies, and cutting funding for clean energy initiatives.
- A potential win for Republicans might also see the repeal of Biden’s 2022 climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act, impacting investments in green technologies.
Key quote:
“There is no doubt that a second Trump administration would pick up where it left off — whether it was conventional energy, oil and gas pipelines, or the market-dictated acceleration of the renewable energy transition.”
— Alex Herrgott, executive director of the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council under Trump
Why this matters:
This isn’t just a color change on the electoral map; it’s a seismic shift in climate policy that could reshape the nation's environmental trajectory. Read more: Moving forward after four years of fights and falsehoods.
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Newsletter
Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Trump selects climate skeptic J.D. Vance as running mate
Former President Donald Trump has chosen Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, known for his skeptical stance on climate change, as his vice-presidential running mate, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
In short:
- Vance, a first-term senator and author of "Hillbilly Elegy," was chosen over other prominent Republicans.
- He has focused on rail safety and is a lead sponsor of the bipartisan "Railway Safety Act."
- Vance has consistently dismissed climate change concerns and opposed green energy policies, favoring traditional energy sources and criticizing Chinese environmental practices.
Key quote:
"J.D. Vance is Donald Trump’s dream come true — a climate denier who is all too happy to do Big Oil’s bidding and pad their profits at the expense of working people.”
— Lori Lodes, executive director of Climate Power.
Why this matters:
Vance's selection is indicative of the Republican Party's continued resistance to climate change policies. Critics argue that his policies could exacerbate environmental degradation in the very areas he claims to champion, while supporters believe his strategy will rejuvenate local economies and provide much-needed jobs. Read more: East Palestine, Ohio, derailment reveals gaps in public health response to chemical emergencies, experts say.
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Paris repurposing landmarks in quest for green Olympics
The Paris Olympics promises minimal new construction, using the city's iconic landmarks to create sustainable and visually stunning venues for the Games.
In short:
- Paris uses temporary structures and existing landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, to host Olympic events.
- Significant green upgrades include 250 miles of new bike lanes, metro extensions, and 300,000 new trees.
- The renovated Olympic Village and venues feature eco-friendly designs, although some projects have faced criticism.
Key quote:
“We have transformed public spaces, public transport, the river – without the Games, it could have taken a decade or two more.”
— Emmanuel Grégoire, former Paris deputy mayor for urban planning
Why this matters:
Ultimately, the success of Paris 2024 will be judged not only by the medals won and records broken but also by its ability to pioneer a new era of environmentally responsible global events. Paris’s ability to balance grandeur with green principles could set a new benchmark for future Olympics and other international gatherings. Read more: Life after carbon: The next global transformation of cities.
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Newsletter
Credit: Douglas Fischer
Montana’s Supreme Court debates climate law's constitutionality
A landmark climate lawsuit in Montana questions whether a state law supporting fossil fuel development infringes on constitutional rights to a healthy environment.
Nicholas Kusnetz and Najifa Farhat report for Inside Climate News.
In short:
- Montana's Supreme Court heard arguments about a law that prohibits considering climate impacts in fossil fuel project approvals, challenged by 16 youths.
- Plaintiffs argue the law violates Montana’s constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment," with potential national implications.
- The state’s defense claims Montana's emissions are too minor to affect global climate change, questioning the court's jurisdiction.
Key quote:
“Any environmental case that gets to the Supreme Court is dead on arrival. That’s why people are going to the states.”
— Patrick Parenteau, professor of law emeritus and senior fellow for climate policy at Vermont Law and Graduate School
Why this matters:
The case could set a precedent for constitutional climate rights, influencing environmental policy and legal actions nationwide, especially as federal regulations face challenges. Read more: Youth v. Montana — Young adults speak up.
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Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr
Jim Inhofe, climate change denier, dies at 89
Former Senator Jim Inhofe, a staunch opponent of climate science, has passed away at 89 after a stroke.
Alex Guillén, Josh Siegel, Annie Snider, and Ben Lefebvre report for Politico.
In short:
- Jim Inhofe, a long-serving senator from Oklahoma, died at 89 after a stroke. He was known for his fierce opposition to climate change science.
- Inhofe held significant influence over environmental policy, chairing the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.
- He was a key figure in appointing Trump-era EPA administrators and worked to roll back Obama-era environmental regulations.
Key quote:
“Jim is a climate change denier. He is really, really conservative, but you know what, he is a decent guy and I like him, and he and I are friends.”
— Senator Bernie Sanders, (D) Vermont
Why this matters:
Jim Inhofe's passing marks the end of an era in American politics, but the debates he fueled will undoubtedly persist as the nation and the world strive to address one of the most pressing issues of our time. Read more in Peter Dykstra's essay: Happy birthday, Senator Inhofe!
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