Does Biden’s executive order on climate policy align with the Green New Deal?
Thursday, February 4, 2021
By Austin Tannenbaum
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YES
President Biden's recent executive order on climate change commits the U.S. to many of the Green New Deal goals outlined in a February 2019 House resolution, including:
- Targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- Creating well-paying, union clean-energy jobs.
- Improving access to clean air, water and outdoor recreation.
- Centering environmental justice, including a pledge to “deliver 40% of the overall benefits to disadvantaged communities.”
- Reforesting and preserving land, including “pausing new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore waters.”
- Remediating high-pollution waste sites.
- Using the best economic and scientific data available to inform climate policy.
Although Biden may take some actions unilaterally, Congress must approve new climate spending and regulation. Legislation also ensures continuity, as executive orders may be undone by subsequent administrations.
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