Staff Reports
In a move that seems to aim more for political theater than effective policy, President Biden has pledged to chop U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% by the year 2035. This latest declaration is positioned as a crucial part of his outstanding climate legacy—one that will apparently outlast him by mere weeks, as President-elect Donald Trump is already gearing up to reverse much of Biden’s climate agenda. The details make it clear that, once again, it’s a showdown between the administration’s ambitious but vague goals and the no-nonsense energy policies that prioritize American jobs and economic growth.
Biden’s bold proclamation to reduce emissions to between 61% and 66% below 2005 levels by 2035 comes just before his departure from the Oval Office. This new initiative has replaced his earlier promise to cut emissions by at least 50% by 2030. Coincidentally timed, this grand pledge has been promptly submitted to the United Nations as part of the 2015 Paris climate agreement—because if it’s not presented on the global stage, can it even be considered meaningful?
While Biden’s aides push the narrative that states and local governments will carry on the climate crusade even after he leaves, one has to wonder what fantasy world they are inhabiting. Despite claims that climate leadership flourishes in cities like Phoenix and Pittsburgh, one can’t help but remember that the same communities are often embroiled in more immediate concerns like crime, homelessness, and, oh yes, an economy trying to recover from the pandemic. It’s easy to strategize about renewable energy from the comfort of insulated offices, but economically starved state governors might not have the luxury to spend their time and resources chasing after wind and solar dreams.
Meanwhile, Trump is preparing to unleash an energy dominance agenda that promises not only to put America back on track for sustainable energy growth, but also to preserve jobs and energy independence. Trump has held firm on his position that the so-called Green New Deal is a “green scam” that does nothing but hinder the economy while boosting electric bills. If his first term was any indicator, he is likely to pull the U.S. out of the Paris agreement once again—much to the chagrin of climate alarmists who see Trump’s return as a direct threat to their plans.
Biden pledges to cut U.S. greenhouse gases by more than 60% as he exits the world stagehttps://t.co/cxQHXG9Jnj pic.twitter.com/A2djyzLnC0
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) December 19, 2024
In a world where reality sometimes takes a backseat to grandiose promises, the sobering fact remains: emissions plummeted worldwide during the pandemic—not because of thoughtful energy policies, but due to economic shutdowns. Hardly an example of successful climate governance, yet it’s rolled out as a victory lap for the progressive elite who always seem to move the goalposts, demanding stricter standards and measures while abstractly tracking their progress.
The so-called U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of governors who fancy themselves eco-warriors, have vowed to uphold Biden’s ambitious emission goal, insisting they hold the torch for climate progress. However, anyone familiar with state priorities knows that current economic realities often overshadow lofty environmental goals. At the end of the day, American families care more about their next paycheck than they do about the fine print of global agreements designed to combat climate change.
The drama between Biden and Trump underscores a fundamental question about energy policy: is it possible to genuinely protect the environment while simultaneously protecting American jobs and families? One thing is certain: while Biden draws the line in the sand for climate goals, Trump prepares to bulldoze through it, prioritizing American interests over international appeasement.
