Biden Needs to Take Immediate Action to Secure His Environmental Legacy

Here are three actions President Biden can take before leaving office to cement his environmental legacy: combat...
President Joe Biden speaks at Prince William Forest Park on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2024, in Triangle, Va.

Three Areas for Presidential Action Before Leaving Office

President Joe Biden speaks at Prince William Forest Park on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2024, in Triangle, Va.

President Joe Biden speaks in Virginia on Earth Day 2024. | Photo by Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its original publication. 

The Biden-Harris administration is entering its final months with opportunities to strengthen its environmental legacy. As Congress reconvenes on November 12, the administration should collaborate with lawmakers to make significant advancements in climate policy.

Firstly, the administration must continue its historic efforts to combat the climate crisis by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Landmark legislations like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have been pivotal in addressing climate change, boosting American jobs, and positioning the US as a leader in the emerging economy. Continued investment in clean energy and manufacturing is vital, alongside halting policies that promote fossil fuel expansion.

Two immediate actions can help mitigate fossil fuel-driven climate change. One is halting the development of large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals, such as the proposed CP2 facility in Louisiana. Expanding LNG infrastructure risks locking the US into an unsustainable fossil fuel future, with extraction and export posing public health threats and potentially increasing domestic energy costs by $14.3 billion annually, according to Public Citizen. The Biden administration should reject these expansions and the CP2 project.

Another crucial action is opposing the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, proposed by Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso. This bill threatens to undermine environmental laws, endanger public health, and expedite LNG project reviews, moving in the wrong direction.

Secondly, the Biden-Harris administration should enhance its leadership in public land protection. The America the Beautiful initiative aims to conserve 30% of US lands and waters by 2030. The administration could make significant strides by using the Antiquities Act to establish new national monuments, building on its record of protecting over 12.5 million acres in 2023. Potential sites include the Sáttítla highlands in Northern California, the Chuckwalla National Monument in California’s desert, and the historical site of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

Lastly, the administration should work with Congress to expand outdoor access for all Americans by passing the EXPLORE Act. This bipartisan bill, featuring the Outdoors for All Act and expanding the Every Kid Outdoors program, aims to make national parks and public lands more accessible, helping close the nature equity gap.

President Biden deserves recognition for prioritizing climate action, pollution reduction, and land conservation. With 10 weeks remaining, there is an opportunity for bold action to further these initiatives.

More stories about:

federal climate policy,
climate change,
public lands

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

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Significant Investments in Green Technologies


The initiative involves substantial investments in green technologies, including electrified equipment and renewable energy sources. Ports are major contributors to air pollution, primarily due to emissions from diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. By adopting cleaner technologies, the U.S. aims to cut down on the release of harmful pollutants.



Government and Industry Collaboration


The program calls for collaboration between federal agencies and industry stakeholders. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides guidelines for reducing emissions, offering ports technical assistance to implement sustainable practices. This partnership is crucial for developing innovative solutions tailored to specific port needs.



Impact on Local Communities


Local communities, often disproportionately affected by air pollution from ports, are expected to benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes. The initiative emphasizes the importance of involving community organizations to ensure that the changes address local concerns.



Monitoring and Accountability


To ensure accountability, the program includes measures for monitoring emissions reductions and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented technologies. This data-driven approach facilitates continuous improvement and demonstrates the benefits of federal investments in environmental sustainability.



Long-Term Environmental Goals


This federal funding aligns with broader environmental goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The U.S. government continues to prioritize policy changes that support these objectives and drive progress within the transportation and logistics sectors.