Biden climate policy

In his first days in office, President Joe Biden issued sweeping measures aimed at staving off the effects of climate change. Specific orders include:

A “Build Back Better” economic recovery plan — with clean energy jobs as its central pillar — plus a mandate for all federal agencies to procure carbonfree electricity and zero-emission vehicles.

An indefinite “pause” by the Department of the Interior on all new oil and gas leases on federal land and water to permit a “rigorous review” and reform of the approval processes for fossil fuel development on public lands.

Elimination of fossil fuel subsidies by federal agencies; vigorous federal efforts to promote innovation, commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies and infrastructure; and modifications to federal siting and permitting processes to accelerate clean energy and transmission projects.

A goal of conserving at least 30% of ■ public lands and oceans by 2030 and establishment of a “Civilian Climate Corps Initiative” to put people to work on protecting and restoring public lands and water.

Creation of an interagency working group to coordinate federal investment in communities impacted by fossil fuel development and power plants to reduce greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions from existing and abandoned infrastructure while turning idled properties into new, clean hubs for economic growth.

A new environmental “Justice40 ■ Initiative” to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of federal investments reach disadvantaged communities.