Joe Biden's Climate Agenda and the Green New Deal

Since the Green New Deal is not a specific legislative proposal, it is challenging to definitively state what Joe Biden would do if he were the President regarding this framework. However, his climate-focused policies and his embrace of key aspects of the Green New Deal agenda suggest that he would indeed commit to significant action.

The Reality of Legislative Barriers

The Green New Deal, as a sweeping set of policy proposals, faces significant challenges in the current political landscape. The Republican-led Senate is likely to obstruct such ambitious legislation, leveraging the filibuster rule to prevent bills from passing, except for those concerning the budget and appointments. For major progressive legislation like the Green New Deal, even the elimination of the filibuster, a seemingly unlikely move in the first year, would still face substantial resistance.

Progress Within the System

Despite these obstacles, there remains room for progress. If enough Americans grow frustrated with Republican obstructionism, the Democratic Party could potentially pick up additional seats in the 2022 midterm elections, thereby gaining more leverage in political negotiations. Moreover, existing regulatory powers and economic incentives provide a framework for Biden to initiate reforms without needing full legislative approval.

Biden's Position on the Green New Deal

During the 2020 presidential debates, Vice President Biden definitively stated that he did not support the Green New Deal. However, his climate plan reveals a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to addressing environmental issues, aligning closely with the principles of the Green New Deal.

Embracing the Green New Deal Framework

Joe Biden's climate plan extensively incorporates key aspects of the Green New Deal, such as setting a firm date for net-zero emissions (by 2050 at the latest) and promoting large-scale job creation in the clean energy sector. This alignment is evident in his campaign documents and policy proposals, indicating that he supports the general objectives of the Green New Deal.

Policy Proposals

Biden's plan involves numerous specific policy measures, including:

Methane Pollution Limits for Oil and Gas Woes: His climate plan renews methane pollution restrictions, a critical measure for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Tighten Tailpipe Standards: Ensuring all new vehicles sold in the future are electric, part of the push towards cleaner transportation. 400 Billion in Clean Energy Research: Allocating substantial funds to clean energy research, aligning with the innovation-driven approach of the Green New Deal. Nuclear Energy: While not outright endorsing it, the plan includes investments in next-generation small modular reactors, reflecting a balanced approach.

Price Tags and Funding

Biden's climate plan highlights a significant price tag of $1.7 trillion, paid for by reducing corporate tax loopholes and ending subsidies for fossil fuels. While this cost may seem high, it is offset by anticipated savings in emissions reductions and long-term economic benefits. Critics argue that funding such a ambitious program remains a substantial political challenge, especially if the Democrats must rethink their priorities and assurances.

Conclusion

While Joe Biden's early statements excluded his support for the Green New Deal, his climate plan demonstrates a strong commitment to progressive environmental policies. His goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 and his efforts to transition to renewable energy sources echo the Green New Deal's vision. However, the path to achieving these goals will be fraught with political challenges and resistance from conservative factions.

As the Democrats face significant hurdles in passing sweeping legislative changes, Biden's approach emphasizes using available tools and targeted policy reforms to drive meaningful environmental progress. Whether this will be enough to satisfy the most ardent supporters of the Green New Deal remains to be seen, as much of the plan's success will depend on the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms and the political climate at the time.