How Trump will try to undo Biden's environmental legacy

Donald Trump, the presidential hopeful, has outlined an energy policy that focuses on maximizing U.S. power and fuel output. This includes dismantling Biden's main efforts to combat climate change. The Republican campaign for the former president has stated that President Joe Biden's efforts in supporting the adoption of electric cars while reducing the use of gas and coal poses a threat to the country's power grid during a time when energy demand is soaring. They have promised changes to ease permits for new power stations and remove barriers to fossil fuel production. Ironically, during Biden's term the United States became the top oil and gas producer in the world. Biden did, however, pass legislation and issue regulations to speed up the transition to cleaner energy. Trump may target climate initiatives from the Biden administration if he wins against Democratic Vice-President Kamala Harris this November.

The Environmental Protection Agency, headed by Biden, finalized in April rules that target carbon, air, and water pollution caused by power plants. This industry is responsible for almost 25% of the U.S.'s carbon emissions. The rule will require that coal-fired power stations and new natural-gas-fired generators within the next decade capture emissions before they are released into the air.

In a speech on his economic platform, Trump attacked the power plant regulation. He said it set the stage for "a catastrophic energy shortage that will make inflation much worse."

In his speech, Trump stated that he would "immediately issue a National Emergency Declaration" to increase the domestic energy supply. With these broad authorities, we'll blast through bureaucratic obstacles to approve new drilling, pipelines, refineries, power plants, and reactors.

VEHICLE EFICIENCY RULES In March, the Biden administration released new U.S. auto emissions regulations to reduce tailpipe pollution. The rules were intended to encourage automakers to increase production of hybrid and electric vehicles. The final rules are a watered down version of the original proposal. This gives automakers more flexibility in meeting the standards.

The Trump campaign has criticized them for lumping it in with Biden's "green initiatives" that they claim are distorting markets, increasing prices and limiting the choice of consumers.

In his speech on Sept. 5, Trump stated that he "would end the electric vehicle mandate." Elon Musk has backed Trump's campaign despite his opposition to EVs. His company could gain an edge over rivals, even if Trump axes further vehicle pollution limits or rolls back EV subsides.

Inflation Reduction Act

Trump announced that he will "rescind any funds not spent" under the Inflation Reduction Act (Biden's signature climate legislation).

The 2022 law provides hundreds of billions in subsidies for solar, wind, and electric vehicles. It has also attracted massive investment in the domestic manufacturing of these industries.

Congress must act to change the law.

PARIS AGREEMENT

Trump, who will be president of the United States between 2017 and 2021, withdrew his country from the Paris Agreement. This international agreement aims to combat climate change. He argued that it was unneeded and would put the United States at a disadvantage in comparison to China.

Trump's campaign stated that he would do it again if Trump wins in November.

The United States is currently a full member of the Paris Climate Accord, following Biden's rapid rejoining in 2021, and his efforts to restore U.S. leadership in climate change on the international stage. (Reorting and editing by Jonathan Oatis, Timothy Gardner, Richard Valdmanis)

(source: Reuters)