Sources tell the Washington Post that President Biden could declare a climate emergency this week to implement his environmental agenda while Congress stalls on climate legislation.
Leading Biden administration officials are debating how to advance the president's objectives, and the president is preparing to unveil new steps to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Post. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia informed party leaders this week he opposes this month's economic package, which contains billions of dollars to cut carbon emissions and promote green energy.
White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein said Biden will work ''aggressively to attack climate change.”
Bernstein: “Realistically there is a lot he can do and there is a lot he will do.''
“Unilaterally declaring a climate emergency will not reduce emissions by one molecule,” American Exploration & Production Council CEO, Anne Bradbury said on Twitter Tuesday. “In fact, many of the policies that could follow from declaring a climate emergency would increase emissions while driving up costs for American families.”
Democratic senators are also calling on Biden to enact more climate policies amid unsuccessful legislative action and the Supreme Court's decision to limit the EPA's regulatory capacities.
Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley said Biden should take unilateral executive action on climate change, even if the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional.
Merkley told reporters Monday “There is probably nothing more important for our nation and our world than for the United States to drive a bold, energetic transition in its energy economy from fossil fuels to renewable energy,”
Merkley: “This also unchains the president from waiting for Congress to act”
Sen. Ron Wyden, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, said legislators should keep pursuing legislation on Monday.
Wyden added, “While I strongly support additional executive action by President Biden, we know a flood of Re lawsuits will follow.”
He continued, “Legislation continues to be the best option here.”
The White House didn't immediately reply to a comment request.
The preceding is a summary of an article that originally appeared on WND.
