The recent U.S. election brings a renewed focus on the legacy of climate policy under President Joe Biden and what Vice President Kamala Harris may contribute as she pursues the Democratic nomination. As a highly pro-climate president, he has demonstrated his commitment through the administration's $4.3 billion in EPA grants for combating climate change, reducing pollution, and promoting environmental justice. These grants help projects like decarbonizing freight, installing geothermal systems, and capturing methane emissions. By 2050, these efforts could cut U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by up to 971 million metric tons, equivalent to the emissions of five million average homes over 25 years.
Despite political challenges, Biden’s climate track record is substantial. He rejoined the Paris Agreement, set ambitious carbon reduction targets, and enacted significant laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated billions for clean energy and infrastructure. The Kigali Amendment, aimed at phasing out potent greenhouse gases, could avert almost 1 degree Fahrenheit of warming by the century's end. However, some criticize Biden for not going far enough, citing controversial approvals like the Willow oil drilling project in Alaska.
The Willow project underscores the contradictions in Biden's climate policies, where the push for clean energy coexists with new oil drilling approvals. This balancing act has caused friction within his climate goals, resulting in a mixed track record. While Biden has done more for climate action than any previous president, achieving the goal of zeroing out U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 remains complex and politically challenging.
Vice President Kamala Harris is positioned to continue Biden's climate legacy. Harris has a robust history in climate action, dating back to her time as California’s attorney general, where she sued major oil companies and investigated Exxon Mobil for climate change disinformation. As a senator, she co-sponsored the Green New Deal resolution and, as vice president, made the crucial tie-breaking vote to pass a historic climate bill.
Harris’s commitment to environmental justice and clean energy is crucial, especially given the current climate crisis. Advocates like Gina McCarthy, Biden’s first national climate adviser, have praised Harris for her dedication to ensuring clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all Americans. Harris's record as a fierce advocate for environmental justice resonates with many climate advocates, positioning her as a strong candidate to tackle future challenges.
The potential impacts of a Harris presidency on U.S. climate policy are significant. Harris would need to establish climate goals for reducing emissions by 2035, a requirement of the Paris Climate Agreement, and continue the momentum from Biden’s climate bill. Harris has closely worked with Biden's environmental team, including EPA Administrator Michael Regan, highlighting her hands-on approach and deep connection to these critical issues.
A key challenge for Harris will be distinguishing herself from Biden on controversial issues like the Willow project. Youth climate groups, like the Sunrise Movement, will closely watch to see if Harris breaks from Biden’s more unpopular decisions with young people. Harris can carve out her path while building on Biden’s successes, potentially taking more aggressive action on issues like fracking and fossil fuel development.
The stakes of the 2024 election for global climate policy are high. While Trump has promised to undo Biden’s climate policies and revert to fossil fuels, Harris aims to build on Biden's legacy and accelerate the transition to clean energy. The economic implications of climate policies, like the Inflation Reduction Act’s provisions for building cleantech products and supply chains in the U.S., add complexity to Harris's potential presidency.
Despite these challenges, the shift towards cleaner energy is likely to continue. Worldwide, wind and solar have become the cheapest sources of new electricity. Market forces and climate policies are having an effect, and the world may be close to reaching peak greenhouse gas emissions. Even with potential setbacks, many of the significant changes initiated by Biden are expected to endure.
The future of U.S. climate policy hinges on the next election. Harris’s vision for a clean energy future could be pivotal in shaping policy for years. If elected, her administration must defend many of Biden’s climate rules against legal challenges and continue implementing the historic climate bill. Changing the course on climate change has required decades of persistent effort from scientists, engineers, leaders, and activists. Biden deserves credit for steering the ship, and Harris could be the one to navigate it forward.
Future-proof your business by fighting climate change
Request a demo
Sources:
1. CNN, “Here’s where Kamala Harris stands on climate and energy.” https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/23/climate/kamala-harris-on-climate-energy/index.html
2. Carbon Brief, “ Analysis: Global CO2 emissions could peak as soon as 2023, IEA data reveals.” https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-global-co2-emissions-could-peak-as-soon-as-2023-iea-data-reveals/#:~:text=The%20 IEA%20 says%20 current%20 government,to%202.4C%20by%202100.
3. Vox, “Joe Biden’s enormous, contradictory, and fragile climate legacy.” https://www.vox.com/climate/362478/joe-biden-climate-change-legacy
