With Legislative Deadlock, Climate Battle Shifts to Executive Branch

"The Obama administration is likely to rely mostly on existing rules and on flexing executive power to execute its second-term environmental agenda, sidestepping Congress as it sets about radically reducing greenhouse gases generated by major polluters."



"Just a day after President Barack Obama said in his inaugural address that for the United States not to respond to the threat of climate change would 'betray our children and future generations,' White House spokesman Jay Carney tamped down expectations for bold new moves.

Carney declined to define specific policies, suggesting the White House will expand its current strategy to regulate and reduce carbon emissions.

'The president will build on, when it comes to climate change, the progress that was achieved in his first term,' Carney said at a press briefing."

Valerie Volcovici reports for Reuters January 23, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Obama's Covert Plans for Climate" (Politico)

"Obama Could Bypass Congress to Fulfill Climate Pledge" (Bloomberg)

Source: Reuters, 01/24/2013