Washington Post: Biden Quickly Declares Climate Emergency

Washington Post: Biden Quickly Declares Climate Emergency

US President Joe Biden may want to declare a climate emergency this week, and The Washington Post cites multiple anonymous sources. In addition, two Democratic senators called on Biden to declare a state of emergency.

 

The news comes a day after negotiations with Democratic Senator Joe Manchin over climate investments broke down. Without Manchin, Democrats don’t have enough votes in the Senate to get such investments through.

It is unknown how Biden would implement climate policy after declaring a state of emergency. Climate activists say he can go far without Congressional approval. For example, Biden could halt crude oil exports, set limits on drilling for oil and gas in federal waters, and instruct government agencies, including emergency agency FEMA, to encourage the use of renewable energy sources.

But at the same time, the president must strike a balance between fighting climate change and rising fuel prices, the Post writes. In addition, any climate action Biden takes without congressional approval is likely to be challenged in court. If one such lawsuit makes it to the Supreme Court and the court disapproves of Biden’s actions, it could affect future climate policy.

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