Deb Haaland revokes Donald Trump-era energy orders

The move away from fossil fuels, and towards green energy, has been hailed by environmental lobbyists and NGOs. Collin O’Mara, CEO of National Wildlife Federation said that the Cabinet of the Interior now had “unrivalled opportunities” to reduce carbon emissions and deploy clear energy.

Currently, more than 25% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions originate on public lands, and O’Mara claimed the policies encouraged “unfettered drilling in ecologically and culturally sensitive areas.”

Leading up to the global climate change summit, these new policies form part of the administration’s commitment to achieve a 100% clean energy economy and reach net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

In his election campaign, Biden promised a ‘clean energy revolution and environmental justice’ and has used his first 100 days to jump-start his climate change agenda.

One of his first acts as president was to restore the US to the Paris Climate Accord after Trumps’ controversial departure in November 2020, and in March Biden launched an initiative to double the United States’ offshore wind production before 2030

After the ‘environmentally disastrous’ presidency of Donald Trump, climate activists around the world will welcome the news of the Biden administration’s intention to become a ‘global clean energy leader’.

The United States has been notoriously behind on initiatives such as clean energy, after the repeated delays in the development of offshore energy initiatives and over 80 measures to deregulate environmental policies.

Biden’s election promise to tackle climate change and build a ‘better, more resilient nation’ has already surpassed many expectations.

Nathaniel Keohane, Senior VP of the Environmental Defence Fund, said he’d give the president a ‘A+’ for his commitment to environmental sustainability.

Along with the fast-paced vaccine roll-out scheme that has seen over 40% of the population receiving at least one vaccine shot, all eyes are on Joe Biden to continue the impressive trajectory of his first 100 days.

This article was originally written by Georgie Morley. ‘I’m Georgie and I’m currently studying History at the University of Oxford. I am passionate about social change, particularly intersectional feminism and climate justice, and I enjoy engaging in these issues through volunteering, campaigning and writing.’ Visit her LinkedIn and view her Twitter.