# Navigating the Challenges of Biden's Climate Agenda
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Chapter 1: Biden's Initial Climate Moves
In his early days in office, President Joe Biden has prioritized climate change as a key element of his administration's focus. He has rejoined the Paris climate agreement, reinstated fuel efficiency standards from the Obama era, restored national monuments, canceled the Keystone XL pipeline permit, and imposed a moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands.
Although these actions are noteworthy, they have been implemented through executive orders, which can easily be overturned by a subsequent president. While they aim to reverse some of the environmental damage inflicted by the previous administration, they won't lead to immediate or substantial reductions in emissions. With carbon dioxide levels soaring and the planet experiencing unprecedented heat, the pressing question remains whether Biden can implement his more ambitious plans, such as achieving a zero-emission power sector by 2035 and economy-wide net-zero emissions by 2050.
Section 1.1: Political Hurdles Ahead
Experts express skepticism about Biden’s ability to introduce a comprehensive climate bill that would cover all his campaign commitments. According to David Konisky, a professor at Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, the political landscape is challenging, particularly with a divided Senate and influential figures like Senator Joe Manchin, who has long advocated for the coal industry.
The last significant climate legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, was passed by the House but failed to secure a Senate vote. Instead, Biden is likely to pursue smaller, incremental measures—such as renewable energy funding through infrastructure legislation or new auto pollution standards—rather than the ambitious $2 trillion climate plan he proposed during his campaign.
Subsection 1.1.1: Labor Relations and Concerns
The administration's proposals will likely encounter resistance not only from political opponents but also from certain labor groups. Despite broad public support for renewable energy, many clean energy jobs are perceived as less attractive due to lower pay and less job security compared to fossil fuel positions. This explains the reluctance of some labor organizations, such as the AFL-CIO, to back initiatives like the Green New Deal.
As Thom Kay, legislative director of Appalachian Voices, notes, there is no denial of climate change among unions, but there are valid concerns about job security and the potential loss of livelihoods.
Chapter 2: Building Bridges with Labor
Nonetheless, there are indications that tensions between labor and environmental groups are easing. The BlueGreen Alliance endorsed Biden during the election, and his climate team includes individuals with strong labor credentials. Biden is keen to emphasize the job creation potential of clean energy, particularly in light of the current unemployment rate of approximately 6.7%.
“It will take continued engagement with workers, with labor unions, with impacted communities, and to build trust,” stated Arjun Krishnaswami, a climate analyst at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Ensuring adequate funding for federal programs that support energy workers—such as healthcare and wage protection—will be crucial.
The video titled "Bill Gates on Climate: 'Are We Science People or Are We the Idiots?'" offers insights into the broader implications of climate change discussions and the necessity for collaborative efforts.
Biden is taking steps to create a civilian "climate corps" aimed at engaging individuals in conservation efforts, alongside establishing new commissions to address environmental justice across various federal agencies. As Dallas Goldtooth from the Indigenous Environmental Network highlights, the climate crisis encompasses a myriad of issues, including ecological and economic impacts on marginalized communities.
In conclusion, while Biden's climate agenda may not lead to immediate transformative policies, it could result in a significant integration of climate considerations across federal government functions. As Konisky notes, the administration's commitment to embedding climate policy into various governmental aspects marks a significant shift in federal priorities.