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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.
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.
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Biden faces pressure to increase Arctic conservation efforts
Over 50 Democratic lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to expand protections in the Arctic, citing growing climate concerns and threats from development.
In short:
- Led by Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Jared Huffman, the group called on the Interior Department to expand federal protections for Arctic Special Areas.
- The Interior Department is reviewing whether to increase protections across 23 million acres, having already safeguarded 13 million acres in April.
- Lawmakers stress that climate change and development are severely impacting wildlife and indigenous subsistence areas in the Arctic.
Key quote:
“This opportunity to take a renewed look at needed protections is especially timely, as the effects of climate change in the Arctic — from declining sea ice, permafrost thaw, and record temperatures — are felt more acutely than ever before and new extractive development encroaches more and more into important habitat and subsistence areas.”
— letter from more than 50 congressional Democrats
Why this matters:
Rapid Arctic warming and increased industrial activities threaten fragile ecosystems and indigenous communities. Additional protections could prevent further damage, particularly as critical wildlife and plant habitats shrink.
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Judge halts methane regulation in five states over states' rights dispute
The Biden administration’s new methane rule was blocked by a federal judge in North Dakota, who ruled that it infringes on state authority in five states.
In short:
- A judge halted a rule by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) targeting methane flaring in North Dakota, Texas, Utah, Montana and Wyoming.
- The states argued the rule overlapped with existing federal and state laws and would harm local industries.
- The ruling noted the states were likely to win the case and that the BLM lacked authority to regulate in this area.
Key quote:
“BLM haphazardly adds more stringent flaring restrictions and bureaucratic hoops the states have to jump through.”
— Judge Daniel Traynor
Why this matters:
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and stricter controls on emissions are key to addressing climate change. However, the ruling reflects ongoing tensions between federal and state regulations, particularly in energy-rich regions.
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China’s role complicates US solar energy boom
The Biden administration’s push for renewable energy is complicated by a trade battle with China, which supplies cheap solar panels and threatens US manufacturers.
In short:
- China’s overproduction of solar panels, fueled by subsidies, has slashed prices but threatens the U.S. solar industry.
- U.S. manufacturers argue that Chinese dominance could stifle domestic production and lead to eventual price hikes.
- Lobbying efforts by industry groups argue that limiting Chinese imports could hurt solar industry growth and climate goals.
Key quote:
“Consumers need to understand that when they buy solar panels from China, these are being made using coal-fired power plants.”
— Tim Brightbill, U.S. solar panel trade lawyer
Why this matters:
China produces 80% of the world’s solar panels, raising concerns over U.S. energy independence and environmental impacts. The ongoing trade war may shape the future of both the US solar industry and global clean energy goals.
Learn more:
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Credit: René DeAnda/Unsplash
Biden may leave several environmental and health regulations unfinished
Key Biden administration regulations on worker protections, toxic chemicals and climate change remain unfinished, and their future will likely depend on the outcome of the 2024 election.
In short:
- Worker heat protection rules, proposed to safeguard employees during extreme temperatures, are unlikely to be completed before Biden leaves office.
- A key rule to limit gas plant emissions remains incomplete, with further regulations postponed to a future administration.
- Restrictions on PFAS, toxic "forever chemicals," remain in development, though a proposed rule has yet to surface.
Key quote:
"We are talking about a very real danger, and workers are suffering and without any kind of federal protection — that puts a lot of workers in danger."
— Juley Fulcher, worker health and safety advocate at the group Public Citizen
Why this matters:
Unfinished regulations on climate and health protections could be shelved or undone by a future administration. As extreme heat and toxic chemical exposure worsen, delayed actions may lead to greater environmental and public health risks.
Read more: Biden's climate push intensifies as elections near
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Biden's climate law may boost oil production through enhanced recovery
Oil companies could use tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to extract more crude from existing wells through enhanced oil recovery, which injects CO2 underground to dislodge oil.
In short:
- The Inflation Reduction Act boosts tax credits for storing CO2, incentivizing its use for oil recovery.
- Critics argue weak oversight allows companies to claim tax benefits without effectively storing CO2.
- Environmentalists say enhanced oil recovery (EOR) undermines climate goals by encouraging fossil fuel production.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of money from the [Inflation Reduction Act], and a lot of concerns that taxpayer money is going out the door to industry that hasn’t proven EOR to be an efficient climate solution.”
— Autumn Hanna, vice president of Taxpayers for Common Sense
Why this matters:
EOR could help oil companies extend well production while claiming climate-friendly tax credits. Without better oversight, it’s unclear whether this will actually reduce carbon emissions.
Related: Biden faces challenges in curbing US oil production
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Biden administration considers price support for US minerals to counter China
The Biden administration is contemplating federal price supports for U.S. critical minerals projects to counter the impact of cheap Chinese imports that threaten domestic production.
In short:
- The Energy Department may establish a price floor for U.S.-produced critical minerals to secure domestic supply chains.
- Chinese oversupply has caused mineral prices to plummet, endangering U.S. projects that received Biden administration grants.
- The proposal seeks to protect U.S. projects from foreign market manipulation, potentially requiring Congressional approval.
Key quote:
“If we move forward on anything like this, the intent would be to give the nudge that is needed to set off the flywheel, versus create a permanent subsidy or cushion for a particular sector or company going forward.”
— Anonymous Energy Department official
Why this matters:
China’s dominance in the critical minerals market threatens the U.S.’s ability to produce essential materials for clean energy technologies. Ensuring a stable domestic supply chain is vital for national security and the clean energy transition.
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