Biden Takes Aim at Fossil Fuel Industry with Executive Order 14067

Executive Order 14067, signed by President Joe Biden on April 22, 2021, aims to address the climate crisis by setting goals and taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and conserve natural resources. The order is part of the Biden administration's larger effort to combat climate change and transition to a clean energy economy.

One of the main goals of Executive Order 14067 is to reduce the United States' greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% below 2005 levels by the year 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the recommendations of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the scientific consensus on the need for rapid and deep emissions reductions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

To achieve this goal, the order directs federal agencies to take a series of actions to reduce their own emissions and to support emissions reductions in the private sector. For example, the order calls for the development of a government-wide strategy to reduce emissions from federal buildings and fleets, as well as the procurement of clean energy and zero-emission vehicles.

Additionally, the order establishes a National Climate Task Force, which will be responsible for coordinating efforts across the federal government to address the climate crisis. The task force will be chaired by the White House National Climate Advisor and will include representatives from more than 20 federal agencies.

Another key component of Executive Order 14067 is the promotion of renewable energy and the conservation of natural resources. The order directs federal agencies to prioritize the development of renewable energy on public lands and waters and to conserve at least 30% of the country's lands and waters by 2030. This goal is known as the "30x30" initiative and aims to protect biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and provide recreational opportunities for Americans.

The order also establishes a Civilian Climate Corps, which will provide job opportunities for young people and others to work on projects related to climate resilience, conservation, and restoration. The corps will be modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and will engage in activities such as reforestation, wildfire mitigation, and coastal restoration.

Overall, Executive Order 14067 represents a major step forward in the United States' efforts to address the climate crisis. By setting ambitious goals and taking concrete actions to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and conserve natural resources, the order lays a foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future. However, achieving these goals will require sustained effort and collaboration across all levels of government and society.