New administration lays out national and international plans to cut carbon pollution
President Joseph Biden released a far-reaching plan Wednesday that outlines the actions his administration will take to tackle climate change both domestically and internationally. With the scientific target squarely in focus — reaching net zero emissions by 2050 in order to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius — the new administration laid out elements of a roadmap for the nation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in sectors across society, from agriculture to manufacturing.
Notably, today’s announcements included the creation of a National Climate Task Force, which will bring together 21 federal agencies to work on ambitious domestic pollution reduction goals. The group will be chaired by White House National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy. The executive orders also emphasized science in policy-making at federal agencies; recommitted the United States to international climate leadership, including hosting a global summit on Earth Day, April 22; and preserved public lands and oceans by pausing oil and gas leases.
Experts from Environment Florida joined by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor issued the following statements:
“Floridians have been working for years to move our country to cleaner and healthier energy sources like wind and solar,” said Ryann Lynn, advocate with Environment Florida. “But time is running out, and what’s seemed like a marathon for so many must now become a sprint. Thankfully, President Biden’s bold and ambitious climate action plan is the type of galvanizing vision that can get us moving faster toward a better future for ourselves and our grandchildren. We are grateful to the Biden administration for taking this kind of leadership on climate action within a week of entering office.”
“President Biden is making good on his promise to deliver real progress on solving the climate crisis, with a focus on putting Americans back to work and ensuring environmental justice,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14). “Under his leadership, Florida and the rest of the nation are poised to benefit from the incredible economic opportunities that will come from rebuilding our infrastructure, investing in clean energy innovation, and unleashing the potential for good-paying union jobs in manufacturing and conservation. Today’s suite of executive actions builds on the vital steps the President took on his first day in office to reposition America as a global climate leader. And his continued commitment to clean air and environmental safeguards will ensure this progress benefits the health and pocketbooks of everyday families.”
