House Democrats Launch Three Climate-Focused Task Forces Amid Stalled Build Back Better Act

Strategic Insights -

House Democrats are launching three climate-focused task forces, including ones focused on national security, agriculture, and the US power sector, in a bid to get more momentum on the issue. The move comes as negotiations on President Joe Biden's Build Back Better Act, which contains $555 billion in climate and clean energy programs, have stalled in the Senate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three task forces, launched by the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, will focus on the climate change impact on national security, agriculture, and the US power sector.
  • The power sector task force will examine how to reform and modernize US power transmission to ensure the electric grid can be as energy efficient as possible, with a focus on decarbonizing the US power sector by 2035.
  • The agriculture task force will examine how farmers can sequester carbon in soil and practice sustainable agriculture, while also looking at ways to protect farmers from extreme weather that devastates crops.
  • The national security task force will examine how the US military can reduce its carbon footprint and address operational threats posed by climate change, as well as the impacts of a warming world on foreign policy and global migration.
  • Democrats' climate agenda relies on the future of Biden's Build Back Better Act, which has stalled since late last year.
  • Senate climate hawks are calling for urgent action on the bill, but are stopping short of calling for a climate-only bill, instead seeking to package climate provisions with other items like lowering the cost of health care.

Statistics:

  • $555 billion: The amount of climate and clean energy programs included in the Build Back Better Act.
  • 2035: The goal set by President Biden to make the US electricity sector zero-emissions.
  • 50 votes: The number of votes needed for a bill to pass in the Senate.
  • 80% renewables: The target set by the European Union to ensure a reliable and versatile energy supply.
  • 77%: The percentage of Americans who support policies to address climate change (Source: Pew Research Center).

Sources:

  • CNN: "House Democrats launching three new climate-focused task forces"
  • The Washington Post: "House Democrats launching three new climate-focused task forces"
  • Senate Finance Committee: Statement by Sen. Ron Wyden
  • CNN: Interview with Sen. Tina Smith