Congresswoman Barbara Lee Statement on President Biden’s Executive Actions Addressing the Climate Crisis
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13) issued the following statement on Executive Orders announced today by President Biden to address the global climate crisis, create millions of new jobs, and restore scientific integrity to decision making at the federal level. The orders include a halt on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and a directive that “clearly establishes climate considerations as an essential element of U.S. foreign policy and national security,” among other critical actions.
“President Biden’s actions today demonstrate that the United States will once again recognize the reality and the severity of the climate crisis – and the danger it poses to every American. The actions also represent a clear and necessary reversal of the prior administration’s agenda of ignoring and exacerbating the climate crisis at every turn.
“In its first week, the Biden administration has laid out a visionary plan to mobilize the entire federal government to respond to the climate crisis with the urgency it deserves. Working with the Congressional Democrats’ Solving the Climate Crisis Action Plan, President Biden’s actions build a framework for creating millions of good new jobs while moving toward a clean energy, net zero emissions economy.
“President Biden’s plan also rightfully recognizes that the issue of justice must be at the heart of our response to the climate crisis. We must work to secure justice for those who have been disproportionately affected by global warming and pollution in our air, water and soil – as well as for those who will be most affected by our transition away from an economy based on burning fossil fuels.
“Most importantly, President Biden’s approach to the climate crisis gives us hope that our country can lead the world to reverse course before it is too late and avoid catastrophe.
“I will continue work with the administration to ensure that communities of color and undeserved communities are prioritized in our response to the climate crisis and the other overlapping crises we are facing.”
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