Statement by Earthworks Policy Director Lauren Pagel:
“While President Biden has taken more action on climate than his predecessors, it is nowhere near enough to meet the challenge of preventing a climate catastrophe or fulfilling his promises on environmental justice.
“Continued permitting of new fossil fuel infrastructure worsens harm to climate and health. And essential investments in renewable energy could be undermined by 150-year-old mining laws that fail to protect land, air and water and quality of life, particularly for Indigenous communities.
“With or without Congress, the Biden administration has the power to act. President Biden must declare a climate emergency this year and update mining rules to prioritize people most impacted by extraction.
“Our problems are worsening faster than any progress we are making. Only the boldest action from President Biden can help us rise to overcome them.”