Biden set to sign executive actions tackling climate change. Here's what they'll do
Jan. 27—President
Since taking office a week ago, Biden has signed dozens of executive orders — some aimed at overturning policies enacted under former President
His orders Wednesday will add to his previous executive actions related to the environment, including revoking the Keystone XL pipeline permit and taking steps to rejoin the Paris Agreement.
'Tackling the climate crisis at home'
Biden will sign a sweeping executive order that establishes "climate considerations" as a matter of
— The Paris Agreement: The order will develop
— Biden's order also instructs the director of national intelligence to prepare a National Intelligence Estimate on security implications of climate change, the
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— Carbon pollution-free electricity and clean, zero-emission vehicles: The order requires that agencies get "clean" vehicles to "create good-paying, union jobs and stimulate clean energy industries." The order also requires the purchases be "Made in America."
— Federal agencies are directed to "increase the resilience of (their) facilities and operations to the impacts of climate change" and to "report on ways to expand and improve climate forecast capabilities."
— Oil and natural gas leases: The order directs the interior secretary to pause new leases on public lands and offshore waters, to review existing leases and permits related to "fossil fuel development on public lands and waters" and to identify possible steps toward doubling renewable energy production from offshore wind by 2030.
— Fossil fuel subsidies: Biden's order directs federal agencies to end the subsidies and find "new opportunities to spur innovation, commercialization, and deployment of clean energy technologies and infrastructure."
— Infrastructure: The order requires that each government infrastructure investment reduces climate pollution.
— The order commits to conserving at least 30% of lands and oceans by the year 2030.
— Civilian Climate Corps Initiative: Biden calls for its establishment. It would "put a new generation of Americans to work" on conservation and addressing climate change.
— Working with farmers: The secretary of agriculture is directed under the order to get input from farmers and on "climate-smart agricultural practices" and job creation for rural Americans.
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— Environmental justice: The order establishes the
Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policy-making
Biden will sign a presidential memorandum directing agencies to make decisions based on "the best available science and data."
The memorandum tasks the Director of the
"In addition, agencies that oversee, direct or fund research are tasked with designating a senior agency employee as chief science officer to ensure agency research programs are scientifically and technologically well founded and conducted with integrity," the
President's
Biden will sign an order re-establishing the President's
"The Council will also advise the President on scientific and technical information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, worker empowerment, education, energy, environment, public health, national and homeland security, racial equity and other topics," the
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