On the campaign trail, President Biden promised climate action. But, a few bumps in the road have delayed that action. Specifically, the Build Back Better bill, which includes provisions for action on climate policy, has been stalled. Barry Rabe, J. Ira and Nicki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy, explained what the bill could achieve if passed.
“Many states took a wait-and-see approach during the pandemic because they were concerned about having sufficient funds for programs,” Rabe told The Progressive. “The stalled spending bill would provide funds for moving the United States away from the reliance on fossil fuels, make buildings more energy-efficient, and adopt other strategies that states have developed over the years.”
Another bump in the road results from rising gas prices, caused by inflation and by the war in Ukraine.
“I don’t think when his term started Joe Biden thought he would be spending his second year tapping the strategic petroleum reserve or flying off to Des Moines to approve E15 waivers,” Rabe told The New York Times.
Rabe also discussed how stalled climate action could impact Democratic success in the midterms.
“Climate voters are likely to be underwhelmed, barring a major legislative achievement,” he said.
Read the items featuring Rabe:
- Taking It to the States, The Progressive, April 11, 2022
- Gas Prices Force Biden Into an Unlikely Embrace of Fossil Fuels, The New York Times, April 12, 2022
