Government

‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ Could Undo Biden’s Climate Progress

A single “reconciliation” bill, promised by House Speaker Mike Johnson in the first 100 days of the new Congress, could wipe out the outgoing administration’s climate ambitions. EJ TransitionWatch explains the budget process and spotlights a half dozen energy and environment provisions — affecting offshore drilling, methane emissions, electric vehicle incentives and more — that could be in the measure if the Trump administration gets its way.

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Doug Burgum, Trump Interior Pick, Questions Reliability Of Renewable Power

"President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for interior secretary told a Senate panel Thursday the U.S. can leverage development of fossil fuels and other energy sources to promote world peace and voiced concerns about the reliability of renewable power sources promoted under the Biden administration."

Source: AP, 01/17/2025

"Zeldin Appears Poised To Carry Out Trump’s Deregulatory Agenda At EPA"

"President-elect Trump’s pick for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator, Lee Zeldin, appears poised to be able to carry out the significant level of climate and environmental deregulation Trump has indicated he plans to pursue after a Thursday hearing moved him toward his likely confirmation."

Source: The Hill, 01/17/2025

Speaking Up for the First Amendment

Many journalists can’t imagine themselves writing an opinion piece, but veteran reporter Tim Wheeler suggests they reconsider. With public distrust of news media mounting and government willingness to inform plummeting, Wheeler says it’s more important than ever for journalists to explain what they do and why it matters. Advice and an annotated example: How to put on the opinion writer’s hat.

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"Trump Revives Threats To Withhold Disaster Aid For Political Foes"

"The deadly Los Angeles area wildfires were turned into a political conflagration on Wednesday as President-elect Donald Trump rekindled past threats to withhold disaster aid to Democratic opponents in California."

Source: E&E News, 01/13/2025

What Biden Rules Could Congress Unplug With Review Act?

As the Biden White House rushes to enact environment and energy policy before Inauguration Day, an obscure law leaves room for the incoming administration to claw them back. At risk: strengthened emissions standards for vehicles and power, tougher energy efficiency standards and plans to replace lead pipes. The latest EJ TransitionWatch explains how the reversal works — and why it might not.

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"Border Agency Seeks Solutions With Mexico on Water, Sewage Problems"

"On the U.S.-Mexico border, the International Boundary and Water Commission has the unglamorous job of stopping sewage flows and negotiating water disputes. Commissioner Maria-Elena Giner has earned allies in long-standing border conflicts, a job that won’t get any easier under Trump."

Source: Inside Climate News, 01/07/2025

What Will a Second Trump Term Mean for Environmental Justice?

An incoming Trump administration hostile to the very idea of environmental justice likely means the rollback of numerous policies and regulations designed to protect disadvantaged communities, cuts to an important “whole-of-government” initiative and downsizing of key federal environmental justice offices. The latest EJ TransitionWatch examines what’s at stake. And for more, see our Topics on the Beat page on environmental justice.

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