White House Considers Declaring National Climate Emergency, Potentially Granting Biden Powers Similar to COVID-19 Pandemic

The White House is considering declaring a national climate emergency, which could grant President Biden powers similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a tweet from Disclose.tv on April 24, 2024. This move would potentially allow the administration to take more aggressive actions to address climate change without needing approval from Congress.

The administration is exploring this option as part of its efforts to address the climate crisis and implement its climate agenda, following a stalled legislative push to secure billions of dollars in climate and clean energy investments.

President Biden has already unveiled a series of new executive actions to confront the mounting effects of global climate change, including actions to advance the U.S. offshore wind industry, provide funding for FEMA's climate resilience program, and help states leverage funding for community cooling centers.

However, the White House has at least temporarily sidelined the idea of declaring a national climate emergency, with the press secretary stating that it is "not going to happen tomorrow" but remains "on the table." Climate and environmental advocates have called on Biden to use his executive powers to confront the global threat, including halting new oil and gas leases and blocking fossil fuel projects.

Why this matters: The potential declaration of a national climate emergency underscores the growing urgency to address the climate crisis and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in implementing its climate agenda through legislative means. Such a move could have far-reaching implications for the U.S. energy sector and the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Some experts caution that a climate emergency declaration could further disrupt energy markets, increase inflation, and weaken the domestic oil and gas industry without effectively reducing global emissions.

They argue that the President does not control the global climate or humanity's emissions, and any authoritarian actions to hamstring the U.S. energy sector would only result in capital investment and production shifting to other parts of the world.

The White House's consideration of declaring a national climate emergency comes as the Biden administration announces several projects for Earth Week and faces scrutiny over the continued development of the Willow oil project in Alaska. The administration's actions on climate change are being closely watched by environmental groups, industry stakeholders, and the public alike, as the debate over the best approach to address the climate crisis continues.

Key Takeaways

• White House considering declaring national climate emergency to expand Biden's powers.
• Potential move aims to advance climate agenda without Congressional approval.
• Experts warn climate emergency could disrupt energy markets and increase inflation.
• Biden announces new climate projects for Earth Week amid Willow oil project scrutiny.
• Administration's climate actions closely watched by stakeholders amid ongoing debate.