Joe Biden’s administration is having a significant impact on environmental policy, with recent reports highlighting both its achievements and the stakes of the upcoming presidential election. The administration’s environmental policies are expected to save approximately 200,000 American lives from dangerous pollution over the coming decades.
These policies have also spurred substantial growth in clean energy jobs, with nearly 150,000 new positions added in the first year of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This act, a landmark climate bill passed in 2022, has led to nearly 3.5 million people now working in clean energy sectors in the U.S.
The clean energy job sector has seen impressive growth, expanding by 4.5% last year, nearly double the rate of overall U.S. employment growth. This sector includes roles in energy efficiency, renewable energy like wind and solar, and electric vehicle manufacturing.
The IRA’s incentives have been a major factor in this surge, with jobs growing significantly in regions such as the U.S. South, which is typically dominated by Republican politics. Despite this success, the future of the IRA is a contentious issue in the presidential race.
Biden’s Environmental Policies Cut Pollution and Boost Jobs as Trump Threatens RollbacksFormer President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has pledged to terminate the IRA and its associated benefits if elected, calling it a “green new scam.” Trump has criticized the Biden administration’s climate policies, accusing it of waging a “war on American energy” and vowing to end incentives for electric vehicles.
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris has committed to building upon the IRA’s successes, attacking Trump for his perceived inaction on climate issues and his stance against competing with China’s clean energy advancements.
Bob O’Keefe, executive director of E2, praised the IRA for initiating a transformative economic shift, highlighting its benefits for American workers and communities. However, he warned that efforts to repeal or undermine the IRA could jeopardize this progress.
Trump’s potential return to the White House could lead to significant challenges for the IRA, as his administration would need congressional approval to fully repeal it but could potentially slow down or redirect unspent funds.
In addition to the IRA’s impact on jobs, Biden’s environmental regulations have significantly improved public health. An analysis of new EPA regulations since Biden took office reveals that they are on track to save 200,000 lives and prevent over 100 million asthma attacks by 2050.
This progress underscores the importance of the EPA’s work, which has been described as lifesaving by experts. However, any rollback of these regulations under a new Trump administration could severely affect public health and environmental protections.
Trump’s campaign has criticized the Biden administration for inflation and what it describes as a “war on energy,” positioning Trump as a proponent of energy dominance and lower living costs. The Trump campaign has vowed to reverse Biden’s policies, including those related to the environment and energy.
The future of environmental regulation under a potential Trump presidency remains uncertain, with plans from Project 2025 indicating a radical overhaul of the EPA and its rules, which could significantly increase risks to public health.