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The Biden administration delays crucial approval for California's climate rules
California's groundbreaking climate and air pollution rules face potential rollback if President Biden's Environmental Protection Agency fails to act before a looming deadline.
In short:
- The EPA has not yet approved California's request to enforce eight climate and air pollution rules.
- The Congressional Review Act (CRA) could allow future Republican leadership to nullify these rules if not approved soon.
- Former President Trump has stated he would revoke California's stricter emission standards if re-elected.
Key quote:
“President Trump is committed to doing everything in his power, and whatever is necessary, to stop Joe Biden and his far-left cronies from implementing a ban on gasoline-powered automobiles anywhere in America.”
— Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign spokesperson
Why this matters:
If the EPA does not approve California's waivers, future administrations could easily dismantle the state's progressive environmental standards. This delay threatens the progress in reducing emissions and setting stricter environmental policies nationwide.
For more:
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Newsletter
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Biden's new budget includes funds for climate change initiatives
President Joe Biden has proposed significant funding toward the United Nations Green Climate Fund in his latest budget plan.
In short:
- Biden's fiscal 2025 budget aims to fulfill a pledge to the United Nations by proposing $500 million for the Green Climate Fund, with gradual increases up to $1 billion by 2028.
- The proposal includes making these funds mandatory to ensure they are shielded from political fluctuations, highlighting the administration's commitment to international climate finance.
- The plan is part of the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience, targeting over half a billion people in developing countries to adapt to climate change impacts.
Key quote:
"This funding will unlock private capital that will enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, help countries to reduce their emissions, enable the most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, and strengthen the resilience of their economies and critical infrastructure.”
— U.S. State Department
Why this matters:
President Biden's budgetary commitment underscores a significant U.S. re-engagement with global climate finance, signaling a shift toward more sustainable energy sources and resilience against climate change.
In 2021, Kartik Amaranth argued that methods of investing, lending, and risk assessment must change to prioritize equity.
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UN
Biden's trick to skirt Podesta confirmation fight
John Podesta would have faced a rough time winning Senate approval to replace climate envoy John Kerry. A new title avoids that. Republicans aren't pleased.
Newsletter
Photo by J. Amill Santiago on Unsplash
Is this the year for bipartisan action on advanced nuclear?
House and Senate negotiators are trying to come up with a compromise package to ease regulations on advanced reactors. Pitfalls abound.
Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash
Oil lobbyist helps craft testimony for small producers
Two oil and gas operators used strikingly similar language in complaining about a new fee on methane emissions. They had help.
Photo by PartTime Portraits on Unsplash
Brain drain worries grow as energy, climate lawmakers exit
Congress will be losing prominent legislators from top committees, scrambling the landscape of energy and environment policymaking.
Photo by Darren Halstead on Unsplash
Republicans welcome local benefits of climate law despite voting against it
Nancy Mace and Marjorie Taylor Greene among those accused of hypocrisy over efforts to gut landmark Inflation Reduction Act.
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