How does Biden’s recent executive order measure up to his campaign’s Environmental Justice Plan?
As Biden enters his presidency in the middle of a pandemic, many of his actions in the first two weeks have addressed COVID-19 and the economy. However, this has not stopped Biden from tackling the climate crisis. On his first day as President, Biden set a clear environmental priority by rejoining the Paris Climate Accord and cancelling the Keystone XL Pipeline. Moreover, he is prioritizing science in the political process and assembling a “Climate Cabinet”.
Most importantly, Biden recognizes that environmental justice is a vital part of the climate crisis. On his campaign trail, Biden proposed a 4-part Environmental Justice Plan. A week into his presidency, Biden released an Executive Order regarding the climate crisis, which included orders regarding environmental justice. When comparing the executive order against the plan, we found that Biden took action in each part of his environmental justice plan. Below is how his actions have stacked up to his campaign promises so far:
Part 1: “Use an inclusive and empowering All-of-Government approach”
Plan: Biden will mobilize government agencies to address environmental justice
Executive Order:
For a concerted effort between different government agencies and departments, Biden added 18 members to the Environmental Justice Interagency Council. The Interagency Council is responsible for coming up with a plan within 120 days for annual performance and accountability metrics (Section 220).
The EPA’s Environmental Justice Advisory Council will provide advice to the Interagency Council (Section 221).
Biden has also suggested creating an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice (Section 222).
Part Two: “Make decisions that are driven by data and science”
Plan: Biden will utilize data and science to address environmental justice
Executive Order:
In an effort to monitor environmental hazards in at-risk communities, Biden has directed the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality to create climate and economic justice interactive maps with special emphasis on disadvantaged communities (Section 222).
Biden directed the EPA to create alert systems of environmental hazards to frontline and fenceline communities, as well as to develop a comprehensive EJ enforcement strategy (Section 222).
In order to foster community-informed policy, Biden directed the Interagency Council to collaborate with grassroots EJ leaders and disadvantaged communities (Section 220).
Part 3: “Target resources in a way that is consistent with prioritization of environmental and climate justice”
Plan: With his 40-percent goal, Biden committed 40% of overall benefits from federal investments in the green economy to disadvantaged communities.
Executive Order:
Biden directed the Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the National Climate Advisor, in consultation with the Advisory Council and the disadvantaged communities themselves to develop a plan within 120 days for the 40-percent goal (Section 223).
Part 4: “Assess and address risks to communities from the next public health emergency”
Plan: Biden will establish a task force to reduce climate risk to vulnerable populations.
Executive Order:
In order to decrease risk to vulnerable communities, Biden directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an Interagency Working Group to Decrease Risk of Climate Change to Children, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, and the Vulnerable (Section 222).