Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory has set the stage for a potential rollback of Joe Biden’s climate legacy. As Biden races to solidify his environmental agenda, Trump’s plans to dismantle these efforts could significantly impact the nation’s climate progress. The fate of Biden’s ambitious policies, including methane reduction rules and coal mining bans, now hangs in the balance as Trump prioritizes traditional energy expansion.
Congressional Review Act: A Powerful Tool
One of Trump’s strongest weapons is the Congressional Review Act (CRA), a law allowing Congress to overturn federal regulations issued in the last 60 legislative days. With a Republican-led Congress and Trump’s presidency beginning in January, recent Biden initiatives face immediate reversal.
Biden’s methane reduction rule, announced in November, is among the policies at risk. The regulation imposes hefty fees on oil and gas companies exceeding methane emission limits. Methane, while shorter-lived in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, traps heat 28 times more effectively. Cutting methane emissions could deliver quick, substantial reductions in greenhouse gases, equivalent to removing nearly 8 million gas-powered cars from the road annually.
Read: COP29 Climate Finance Deal Sparks Controversy
Coal Mining Ban in Jeopardy
Biden also recently banned new coal mining leases on federal lands, particularly in Wyoming and Montana, which supply 40% of the nation’s coal. This move aimed to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 293 million tons annually, equivalent to taking 63 million cars off the road. However, Trump and Republican leaders have pledged to overturn this ban, emphasizing coal’s role in energy production and opposing what they view as overregulation.
Trump’s Climate Stance
Trump remains skeptical of climate change, dismissing clean energy subsidies and promoting oil and gas production. During his campaign, he promised business-friendly policies to slash energy costs by approving new drilling projects and reducing regulatory hurdles. While experts argue that such actions won’t drastically influence global oil markets, Trump’s focus on traditional energy aligns with his broader agenda to undo Biden’s climate achievements.
Protected Policies and Funding
Despite the anticipated rollbacks, some of Biden’s climate policies appear secure. The 2022 climate law allocated billions for clean energy projects, including residential energy efficiency programs, bike lanes, and renewable energy expansion. Over 93% of the funding—totaling $643.1 billion—has already been obligated, making it legally challenging for Trump’s administration to reverse these investments.
Moreover, the grants tied to community benefits, such as public health improvements and economic incentives, are likely to face resistance from local Republicans who support these initiatives in their districts.
What Lies Ahead
As Trump prepares to take office, the environmental landscape in the U.S. faces significant changes. While some policies may withstand his administration’s efforts, the battle over climate progress will likely intensify. Biden’s legacy, defined by a focus on renewable energy and emissions reduction, may undergo a dramatic shift as Trump prioritizes traditional energy sources and deregulation.
The next few months will reveal the extent to which Biden’s climate initiatives endure and the impact of Trump’s second term on America’s environmental future.
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