Biden's Climate Report Card
The good, the bad, the ugly of Biden's Climate Leadership thus far, and, of course, to ways demand better.
Greetings Sunshine! Welcome to Save Our Happy Place, a newsletter making it easy for you to help protect the places you love from climate change. As yesterday was Presidents’ Day in the U.S., we are taking time today to review President Biden’s growing climate legacy. We’re two years into his administration, so it’s the perfect opportunity to review the good, the bad, the ugly, and, of course, to always demand better.
Presidential Prowess for the Planet
As should any aspiring world leader, Biden boasted a climate agenda on the campaign trail that felt both lofty yet necessary. Clocking in with the world’s second-largest carbon footprint, it is no secret that the U.S. desperately needs to get its act together to stop the worst effects of climate change. For better or for worse, that responsibility largely rests with the government as it must instate regulations that keep our CO2 emissions down. With the weight of our carbon footprint on his shoulders & growing cross-party support for climate regulations, Biden seems to have given protecting the environment a valiant effort while still falling incredibly short. His landmark climate legislation was largely encapsulated within the Budget Reconciliation Bill, which still has not passed even after months of debate. Passing this legislation before the mid-term election this November is paramount to getting it passed at all and curbing U.S. emissions. This bill will be the ultimate indicator of Biden’s success as the #climatepresident.
The attorneys and policy experts at EarthJustice put together the below progress report for Biden. Check it out to see how far he has come and how much father he needs to go. Then take the climate actions directed at Biden this week to keep the ball rolling.
Demand the Biden Administration Step Up
Take Climate Action
Tell the Biden Administration it is time to let forests grow
What? Send a message to President Biden, Secretary Vilsack, and Secretary Haaland telling them to let forests mature.
Why? Old forests on federal lands capture and store vast amounts of carbon pollution and should be a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy.
How? Click link to send message. (Estimated 1 minute)
Demand Biden stop Pipeline 5
What? Send an email to Biden demanding he stop Pipeline 5.
Why? Fossil fuel company Enbridge pumps 540,000 barrels of oil through Wisconsin and Lake Michigan every day (Pipeline 5) putting Wisconsin communities, wildlife, and ecosystems at risk.
How? Click link to send email. (Estimate 1 minute)
Urge Biden to be a #PlasticFreePresident
What? Message President Biden urging him to take eight actions to help stop plastic pollution in our communities and across the world.
Why? Tiny microplastic particles are polluting the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Disposable, single-use products are clogging our waterways.
How? Click link to sign petition. (Estimated 1 minute)
Some Rays of Sunshine
The Headlines We’re Happy to See
Biden Administration Edition
While the Biden Administration undoubtedly has a long way to go in terms of passing and implementing enough climate legislation to keep U.S. carbon emissions at bay, here are some of its latest climate wins:
Passed the $1 trillion infrastructure bill with $126 billion in new transportation spending for electric vehicle infrastructure, climate resilience, and taking down highways that perpetuate environmental racism. - Read More
Canceled two Minnesota mining leases. - Read More
Signed order for the government to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. - Read more
Sided with local tribes in mineral dispute with North Dakota. - Read More
Approved California to set its own vehicle emissions standards. - Read More
Advanced a cleaner industrial sector to reduce emissions and reinvigorate American manufacturing. - Read More
Stopped funding to fossil fuel projects overseas. - Read More
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I like the energy of the story, the action-oriented and bouncy nature of it.
Excellent summary of progress (or lack of same) so far.