President Biden shifted focus to immediate energy solutions post-Ukraine crisis, deviating from ambitious climate goals.
Political pragmatism led Biden to prioritize short-term energy measures over long-term climate policies.
Deep dives
Biden's Climate Policy Challenges and Retreat
Before the war in Ukraine, President Biden's ambitious climate agenda had faced setbacks, with key elements stalled or collapsed. His clean energy tax credits in the Build Back Better bill, regulations on power plants, and ambitious auto industry regulations were all facing challenges. These policy items were not moving forward as intended, jeopardizing Biden's climate goals.
Biden's Shift in Focus Amidst Energy Crisis
In response to the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, Biden has shifted focus towards immediate solutions. Initiatives include releasing oil from reserves, increasing US oil and gas production, and supporting natural gas exports to Europe. This shift represents a departure from his initial campaign promises to reduce fossil fuel production and addresses the current energy challenges.
Political Dynamics and Climate Advocacy
As Biden navigates political challenges and high energy prices, he has downplayed his climate agenda. The decision to prioritize short-term energy measures over long-term climate policies reflects political pragmatism. Climate activists are cautiously hopeful but seek bolder actions from Biden to address climate change in the face of current setbacks.
On the campaign trail and when he first came to office, President Biden had ambitious plans to deal with climate change, including promises to reduce fossil fuel production.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, however, Mr. Biden has largely stopped making the case for these plans, instead turning his focus to pumping as much oil and gas as possible.
What is behind the president’s retreat on climate?
Guest: Coral Davenport, an energy and environmental policy correspondent for The New York Times.
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