“Race Against Time: Biden’s Last-Ditch Efforts to Secure Climate Progress Before Trump Returns”
In the final weeks before President Biden leaves office, federal officials and climate advocates are working diligently to secure progress on climate initiatives before President Trump returns to the White House. One significant development is the U.S. Department of Energy’s announcement of a $6.6 billion conditional loan to electric vehicle maker Rivian. This funding will assist Rivian in completing the construction of an EV factory in Georgia. The loan is sourced from Biden’s major climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act.
Additionally, Rivian has closed a $5.8 billion joint venture with Volkswagen, further solidifying its position in the electric vehicle market. The move towards electric vehicles aligns with the Biden administration’s push for cleaner transportation options to combat climate change.
In another key development, the Biden administration has proposed tightening restrictions on nitrogen oxide pollution from gas plants for the first time in almost two decades. This move is aimed at improving air quality and addressing climate concerns. However, there is uncertainty about whether this new rule will survive under the incoming Trump administration.
Landscape conservation is also in focus, with conservation groups and Native American tribes urging Biden to establish four new national monuments in California before his term ends. Similar proposals are being pushed for public lands in North Dakota, Oregon, and Colorado.
As the spotlight shifts to Trump, questions arise about his approach to electric cars, particularly in light of his promise to end Biden’s tailpipe pollution rules. Car companies, while not asking for a complete erasure of the rules, are advocating for the preservation of a $7,500 tax credit for EVs. However, Toyota has taken a different stance, calling for changes to the tax credit to include its fleet of hybrids.
In the realm of global climate negotiations, lower-income countries have requested $1.3 trillion annually to address climate change, but higher-income countries have only promised $300 billion, leading to disappointment among many observers.
Water management and conservation efforts are also making headlines, with discussions around the Colorado River and efforts to resolve Native American water rights claims. The impact of climate change on extreme weather events, such as heatwaves and wildfires, is also a significant concern, with efforts underway to mitigate these effects.
Overall, the transition between administrations poses challenges and uncertainties for climate policy and environmental initiatives, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks.