The White House is arguably the most recognizable home in America, and like any other residence, it requires energy to operate – using over 850,000 kilowatt-hours per year, according to estimates.
However, in the midst of the presidential race, the debate on how the U.S. should produce this energy has become a divisive issue among the candidates, with both sides emphasizing the impact on Americans’ wallets and the environment.
2023 was declared the hottest year on record by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with severe droughts, extreme weather events, and excessive heat causing significant fatalities and economic losses. The consensus among over 99% of scientists is that human-induced climate change is partly to blame. Yet, the leading presidential candidates have contrasting views on the matter.
Upon taking office in 2017, former President Donald Trump rolled back more than 100 regulations implemented by Barack Obama to reduce pollution. This included regulations on fuel standards for vehicles, methane leaks, and wetland protection. Trump has continued to make light of the potential impacts of climate change, even joking about rising sea levels.
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Throughout his term, Trump has pursued an aggressive approach to energy development, advocating for increased oil and natural gas drilling on federal lands and promising to revive the coal industry. He has pledged to further these efforts if re-elected.
On the other hand, President Joe Biden has labeled climate change as a significant threat, reinstating and expanding Obama-era environmental protections that cover power plants, offshore wind farms, water sources, and electric vehicles. His administration has focused on promoting renewable energy initiatives across various government agencies.
President Biden has also led efforts in Congress to pass legislation related to climate policy, notably the Inflation Reduction Act, which allocated substantial funds for climate initiatives, including renewable energy tax credits and pollution reduction grants.
Trump has criticized Biden’s support for renewable energy, framing it as detrimental to American energy independence and national security. However, Biden’s initiatives have garnered widespread support from individuals and domestic energy companies, posing a challenge to Trump’s promises to repeal these laws if re-elected.
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Despite promoting renewable energy sources, President Biden has overseen an increase in traditional fossil fuel production, with the U.S. becoming the top producer of crude oil in recent years. This has led to clashes with climate activists who feel that Biden has not fully grasped the urgent nature of the climate crisis.
President Biden has set ambitious goals to address climate change, aiming to conserve at least 30% of American lands and waters by the end of the decade. He has also re-engaged with international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to combat climate change.
Global leaders stress the importance of the next few years in mitigating the most severe effects of climate change, emphasizing the necessity of urgent action to avert catastrophe.
Climate advocates view President Biden’s approach as a starting point towards averting disaster, but urge for further acceleration in climate solutions to avoid backtracking or standing still on the progress made.
