Environmental groups hail U.S. return to Paris Climate Agreement

“With this executive order, the Biden-Harris administration and the experts they have nominated to key federal positions – including former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm – will focus on ambitious and durable climate action that creates jobs and ensures all communities have clean air and water,” said Nick Occhipinti, government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “President Biden and Vice President Harris today signaled that they will take action to support public health, clean water, and environment by re-joining the Paris Climate Agreement to address the climate crisis – action that is central to their plan to Build Back Better.”   

“In the coming days and weeks, President Biden should continue taking action by making major investments in clean energy and cleaner cars,” said Alexis Blizman, policy director for the Ecology Center. “The administration should also ensure our most vulnerable communities, which are first and worst impacted by climate change and harmful pollution, have a voice in planning a clean and livable future.” 

“Re-committing the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement is an important step,” said Margrethe Kearney, senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Grand Rapids. “Our leaders in Michigan understand the impacts of climate change on our environment and our economy, and the Biden administration’s actions will compliment and support the great work our state is doing.” 

The Biden administration took other important steps during its first day. It advanced efforts to promote equity and end discrimination. It reengaged the U.S. with the World Health Organization. It extended an eviction and foreclosure moratorium. And it began rolling back more than 100 executive orders that were anti-science and anti-environment. 

 

By Byrum & Fisk; edited by Beau Brockett Jr.