Biden Under Pressure To Declare Climate Emergency After Manchin S Torpedo Bill Climate Crisis

Faced with political gridlock in Washington, the US president could make such an announcement – which would unlock federal resources to deal with the crisis – as soon as this week, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. Biden will visit a converted wind power plant in Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote his climate action efforts, but will stop short of using that event to declare a state of emergency, according to the Associated Press (AP ). He said last week he would take steps to cut carbon emissions after Democrat Joe Manchin — a key vote in the evenly divided Senate — withdrew support for climate legislation that Democrats had hoped to pass before leaving Washington for the holidays. of August and as they face tough midterm elections in November. But the president’s ability to work around Congress remains limited, and the impact of declaring a climate emergency, with all its symbolism, remains ambiguous. The lack of comprehensive action by the Biden administration jeopardizes goals to limit global warming. The Washington Post report noted that some climate activists argued that declaring a state of emergency would allow Biden to “halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters and direct agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Service, to strengthen renewable energy sources”. . But such measures could face legal challenges from Republicans who criticize what they perceive as executive overreach. Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative magazine National Review, tweeted from the White House in response to the report: “Once again the WH is advertising contempt for the rules of our constitutional democracy.” The restrictions were underscored last month when the high court effectively barred the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing emissions rules involving matters of great “economic and political importance.” Democrats, however, are eager to see Biden take action as the global alarm rings ever louder: CNN reported that nearly 20% of the US population will likely see temperatures above 37.7 degrees Celsius this week. Britain recorded its highest ever temperature of 104F (40C) as the heatwave ravaging Europe intensified. Two Senate Democrats, Jeff Merkley and Sheldon Whitehouse, urged the president to declare a climate emergency and use the Defense Production Act — originally designed for wartime use — to ramp up production of various renewable energy products and systems, including solar panels. Merkley tweeted Tuesday: “@POTUS needs to go big on climate – starting with declaring a climate emergency so we can take bold action NOW on the devastating health effects of climate chaos, our environment and economy”. Whitehouse, who has called for tighter carbon regulations for vehicles and power plants and possible federal action against the fossil fuel industry, told reporters: “I’ve talked to the White House about being aggressive and doing whatever it takes. it is within the executive powers to do something that has not been done so far.” The stark contrast between political inaction and catastrophic global warming has led some to question whether America’s institutions of governance are fit for purpose. David Axelrod, a former top strategist for US President Barack Obama, tweeted: “Crumpling as the world burns.” Biden is trying to signal to Democratic voters that he is tackling global warming at a time when some of his supporters have despaired of a lack of progress. He has vowed to go it alone in the absence of congressional action. White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein told reporters on Monday: “The president is going to fight aggressively to attack climate change because he knows that’s one of the reasons he’s here. And it’s absolutely key to getting from where we are to where we need to be.” Manchin and Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, have been in talks for $300 billion in tax credits for industries such as solar and wind power, carbon capture from power plants and nuclear power, which generates electricity almost no emissions. Manchin blamed inflation for his rejection of any spending on climate legislation. Activists have warned that time is running out for the US to enact sweeping measures to cut emissions and encourage other countries to do the same. Scientists say inaction will lead to “irreversible” climate impacts, including heatwaves, floods, fires and mass displacement of displaced people. Ben King, associate director at the Rhodium Group, an independent research firm, told the AP that the U.S. is “nowhere close” to meeting Biden’s emissions reduction goals. Biden scaled up the goal of reducing the nation’s emissions by 50 percent to 52 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. According to policies implemented at the federal and state levels, the U.S. is on track to reach a reduction of 24 % to 35%, according to The Rhodium Group’s latest analysis.

title: “Biden Under Pressure To Declare Climate Emergency After Manchin S Torpedo Bill Climate Crisis " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-30” author: “Harold Mahoney”

Faced with political gridlock in Washington, the US president could make such an announcement – which would unlock federal resources to deal with the crisis – as soon as this week, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. Biden will visit a converted wind power plant in Massachusetts on Wednesday to promote his climate action efforts, but will stop short of using that event to declare a state of emergency, according to the Associated Press (AP ). He said last week he would take steps to cut carbon emissions after Democrat Joe Manchin — a key vote in the evenly divided Senate — withdrew support for climate legislation that Democrats had hoped to pass before leaving Washington for the holidays. of August and as they face tough midterm elections in November. But the president’s ability to work around Congress remains limited, and the impact of declaring a climate emergency, with all its symbolism, remains ambiguous. The lack of comprehensive action by the Biden administration jeopardizes goals to limit global warming. The Washington Post report noted that some climate activists argued that declaring a state of emergency would allow Biden to “halt crude oil exports, limit oil and gas drilling in federal waters and direct agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Service, to strengthen renewable energy sources”. . But such measures could face legal challenges from Republicans who criticize what they perceive as executive overreach. Rich Lowry, editor of the conservative magazine National Review, tweeted from the White House in response to the report: “Once again the WH is advertising contempt for the rules of our constitutional democracy.” The restrictions were underscored last month when the high court effectively barred the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing emissions rules involving matters of great “economic and political importance.” Democrats, however, are eager to see Biden take action as the global alarm rings ever louder: CNN reported that nearly 20% of the US population will likely see temperatures above 37.7 degrees Celsius this week. Britain recorded its highest ever temperature of 104F (40C) as the heatwave ravaging Europe intensified. Two Senate Democrats, Jeff Merkley and Sheldon Whitehouse, urged the president to declare a climate emergency and use the Defense Production Act — originally designed for wartime use — to ramp up production of various renewable energy products and systems, including solar panels. Merkley tweeted Tuesday: “@POTUS needs to go big on climate – starting with declaring a climate emergency so we can take bold action NOW on the devastating health effects of climate chaos, our environment and economy”. Whitehouse, who has called for tighter carbon regulations for vehicles and power plants and possible federal action against the fossil fuel industry, told reporters: “I’ve talked to the White House about being aggressive and doing whatever it takes. it is within the executive powers to do something that has not been done so far.” The stark contrast between political inaction and catastrophic global warming has led some to question whether America’s institutions of governance are fit for purpose. David Axelrod, a former top strategist for US President Barack Obama, tweeted: “Crumpling as the world burns.” Biden is trying to signal to Democratic voters that he is tackling global warming at a time when some of his supporters have despaired of a lack of progress. He has vowed to go it alone in the absence of congressional action. White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein told reporters on Monday: “The president is going to fight aggressively to attack climate change because he knows that’s one of the reasons he’s here. And it’s absolutely key to getting from where we are to where we need to be.” Manchin and Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate majority leader, have been in talks for $300 billion in tax credits for industries such as solar and wind power, carbon capture from power plants and nuclear power, which generates electricity almost no emissions. Manchin blamed inflation for his rejection of any spending on climate legislation. Activists have warned that time is running out for the US to enact sweeping measures to cut emissions and encourage other countries to do the same. Scientists say inaction will lead to “irreversible” climate impacts, including heatwaves, floods, fires and mass displacement of displaced people. Ben King, associate director at the Rhodium Group, an independent research firm, told the AP that the U.S. is “nowhere close” to meeting Biden’s emissions reduction goals. Biden scaled up the goal of reducing the nation’s emissions by 50 percent to 52 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. According to policies implemented at the federal and state levels, the U.S. is on track to reach a reduction of 24 % to 35%, according to The Rhodium Group’s latest analysis.