THERE IS NO TIME TO WASTE
WILMINGTON — Just as the United States has needed a unified, national response to COVID-19, it needs one for dealing with climate change, Presidentelect Joe Biden said on Saturday as he rolled out key members of his environmental team.
“We literally have no time to waste,” Mr Biden told reporters as introduced his choices.
The approach is a shift from Donald Trump’s presidency, which has been marked by efforts to boost oil and gas production while rolling back government efforts intended to safeguard the environment. The incoming Biden team will try to undo or block many of the current administration’s initiatives. There also will be an emphasis on looking out for the low-income, working class and minority communities hit hardest by fossil fuel pollution and climate change.
In his remarks, Mr Biden stressed the diversity of an emerging team that he described as “brilliant, qualified, tested and they are barrierbusting”.
“Already there are more people of color in our Cabinet than any Cabinet ever, more women than ever,” said the former vice president, who has promised to assemble a group of department leaders who reflect the diversity of America.
The nominees Mr Biden introduced on Saturday had compelling personal stories that they cited as guiding them if confirmed by the Senate.
New Mexico rep Deb Haaland would be the first Native American to lead the Interior Department, which has wielded influence over the nation’s tribes for generations.
Former two-term Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm is in line to be energy secretary.
North Carolina official Michael Regan would be the first African American man to run the Environmental Protection Agency.
Mr Biden’s nominee to oversee the Council on Environmental Quality is Brenda Mallory.
Two other members of the team introduced on Saturday do not need Senate confirmation. They are Gina McCarthy, to serve as national climate adviser, and Ali Zaidi, to serve as her deputy.