CLIMATE COLLISION
Biden’s climate crusade: How his plan to cut carbon emissions, create jobs could impact U.S.
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY
Published 6:00 AM EST Jan. 18, 2021 Updated 6:17 AM EST Jan. 18, 2021
As he steps into office this week, President-elect Joe Biden brings an ambitious plan to address climate change, and with Democrats in control of Congress for the first time in a decade, he may have the opportunity to accomplish some of his loftiest goals.
“It’s enormous,” said Susan Glickman, Florida director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, one of many climate advocates, scientists and concerned citizens looking forward with optimism.
Biden’s goals include carbon-free electricity by 2035, more wind and solar to get the nation to net-zero emissions and 100% clean energy by 2050. He also wants to upgrade millions of buildings and homes to be more energy efficient, plug abandoned oil and gas wells, reclaim mines and make environmental justice a key consideration.
The climate and energy plans don’t delve into specifics on how those goals might be achieved, and his transition team declined multiple requests to answer questions about the plans. Without those key details, people can only speculate on what could happen in the months to come.
USA TODAY Network reporters asked experts across the country for their insight on the potential impacts of Biden’s plans, from the anticipated boost to wind power in the Northeast to incentives for farmers in the Midwest and the aggressive clean energy measures already underway in California.