Major Climate Action at Stake in Fight Over Twin Pending Bills

"Legislation aimed at infrastructure and social programs also includes big changes in energy, transportation and disaster preparation. They would amount to the most significant climate action ever taken by the United States."

"WASHINGTON — President Biden has framed this moment as the country’s best chance to save the planet.

“The nation and the world are in peril,” he said weeks ago in Queens, where 11 people drowned in their basement apartments after floodwaters from Hurricane Ida devastated communities from Louisiana to New York. “And that’s not hyperbole. That is a fact. They’ve been warning us the extreme weather would get more extreme over the decade, and we’re living in it real time now.”

Mr. Biden’s plan to try to fortify the United States against extreme weather — and cut the carbon dioxide emissions that are heating the Earth and fueling disasters — is embedded in two pieces of legislation pending on Capitol Hill. The future of both bills remains in question, with tension between moderate and progressive Democrats over the size and scope of many details."

Brad Plumer and Winston Choi-Schagrin report for the New York Times October 10, 2021.

SEE ALSO:

"Kyrsten Sinema Wants to Cut $100 Billion in Proposed Climate Funds, Sources Say" (New York Times)

"Biden Faces Pressure To Pass Infrastructure Bills Before Climate Summit" (The Hill)

"US Corporations Talk Green But Are Helping Derail Major Climate Bill" (Grist)

"Big Business Is Bankrolling an Effort to Kill the Democratic Climate Bill" (Atlantic)

Source: NYTimes, 10/11/2021