Biden Vows "Strong Executive Action" on Climate Change as Senate Climate Bill Hits Setbacks

President Joe Biden on Friday vowed to take "strong executive action" to combat climate change, despite setbacks in recent weeks that have restricted his ability to regulate carbon emissions and boost clean energy. The US Supreme Court last month limited the nation's main anti-air pollution law, while Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he wants to delay sweeping environmental legislation. Biden's promise comes as the US Senate's evenly divided chamber has yet to pass the administration's ambitious climate goals.

Key Takeaways:

• President Joe Biden promised "strong executive action" to combat climate change, despite recent setbacks in regulating carbon emissions and boosting clean energy.
• The US Supreme Court limited the nation's main anti-air pollution law, making it harder for the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.
• Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia said he wants to delay sweeping environmental legislation, citing concerns over the impact on his home state's energy-producing industry.
• Climate advocates urged Biden to use his executive powers to reinstate a ban on crude oil exports and accelerate the nation's transition away from fossil fuels.
• Manchin's opposition was met with criticism from Democratic colleagues, including Senator Tina Smith, who slammed his decision as "infuriating and nothing short of tragic".
• Other Democrats saw Manchin's announcement as a chance for Biden to bypass legislative approval and take executive action on climate, with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse urging Biden to "start it now".

Statistics:

• The proposed climate legislation had a price tag of $555 billion in climate spending, which was later slimmed down to just over $300 billion to secure Senator Manchin's support.
• Proposed tax credits for wind, solar, and nuclear energy, along with still-unproven carbon-capture technology, could reduce emissions by up to 40% by 2030, proponents said.
• The Clean Air Act does not give the Environmental Protection Agency broad authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, according to the June 30 Supreme Court ruling.
• The EPA Administrator, Michael Regan, has said the agency is moving forward with proposed rules for power plants in the coming months.

Sources:

• Voice of America, July 17, 2022
• Biden Statement from Saudi Arabia, July 15, 2022